The world is grappling with an era of unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and economies, while the Russia-Ukraine war continues to reshape global geopolitics. Conflict and fragility are escalating, the climate crisis disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, and political freedoms and human rights face increasing threats. Additionally, persistent gender discrimination and political shifts in major donor countries further complicate the global development landscape envisioned in the 2030 Agenda. Moreover, the growing tendency of some major donor countries to adopt inward-looking foreign policies has exposed the vulnerability of international development cooperation to political fluctuations. These trends underscore the urgent need for sustainable, locally driven solutions. The uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of traditional, externally led development models – largely driven by the Global North – in the Global South strengthens the case for locally led development (LLD), where communities take the lead in shaping and implementing their own development strategies. While the need to empower local actors is not new, there is growing recognition of their critical role in achieving sustainable and inclusive development. The international development landscape is shifting, with increasing calls to challenge long-standing norms, biases, postcolonial structures that limit local agency; however, OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members in the Global North continue to face challenges in advancing LLD, as development cooperation remains largely shaped by externally driven models.  Furthermore, unresolved questions persist regarding how to define local actors, the extent of responsibility that should be transferred, and the level of flexibility needed in program design and implementation.  Recognizing the need for a systemic shift toward equitable and effective development, this expert lecture series will examine the role of LLD in the Global South, emphasizing the importance of placing decision-making power in the hands of those most affected by development challenges. The lecture will also explore the complexities of defining "who is local" and the power dynamics embedded in localization efforts. By drawing on diverse localization models, participants will gain practical insights into fostering inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven development. Ultimately, this series aims to promote a transformative development paradigm – one where local actors are not merely recipients but key leaders in shaping their own futures.