Caritas India recently participated in a high-level capacity-building training organized by the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). The five-day intensive training, held from March 19 to 23, 2025, brought together over 20 leading humanitarian organizations, including UN agencies, international NGOs, and national partners. The program aimed to enhance their ability to access DG ECHO funding and implement humanitarian interventions with efficiency, accountability, and adherence to global standards.

The training was divided into two key modules: “Implementation of a DG ECHO-Funded Action” (March 19-21) and “DG ECHO Single Form 2025” (March 22-23). The first module focused on the operational, financial, and compliance aspects of ECHO-funded projects, including procurement rules, reporting requirements, and risk management. The second module provided an in-depth understanding of the DG ECHO Single Form 2025, emphasizing proposal development, logical framework structuring, and aligning projects with ECHO’s humanitarian priorities for the upcoming year.

The sessions were facilitated by Eleonora Pudda, Head of DG ECHO’s Partner Support and Compliance Unit, and Elena Cerretelli, DG ECHO Compliance Expert. They led participants through technical discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises aimed at improving humanitarian response mechanisms.

Key learning areas of the training included:

• Compliance with DG ECHO Guidelines – Ensuring strict adherence to procurement regulations, financial transparency, and accountability measures.
• Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) & Sphere Standards – Strengthening principled and accountable humanitarian action in line with global best practices.
• Risk Management & Monitoring – Developing effective strategies for mitigating operational risks and enhancing response efficiency.
• Localization & Partnership Building – Promoting the role of local actors in humanitarian interventions and fostering community-led approaches.
• Strategic Funding Access – Equipping organizations with knowledge to develop competitive proposals aligned with ECHO’s priorities.

The training reinforced DG ECHO’s commitment to supporting crises worldwide—whether protracted conflicts, refugee emergencies, or sudden-onset disasters—by ensuring its partners are well-prepared to respond effectively.

Caritas India’s participation in this program highlights its dedication to strengthening humanitarian action and disaster risk reduction efforts. The knowledge gained will enable the organization to enhance operational preparedness, secure funding for impactful interventions, and deliver timely and dignified aid to affected communities.

DG ECHO continues to prioritize capacity building, offering ongoing support through the DG ECHO Partner Helpdesk and the EU Academy platform. By investing in skill development and compliance training, DG ECHO and its partners, including Caritas India, are advancing the standards of humanitarian response, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most efficiently and effectively.