It is our belief at TIMEP that local experts and advocates are the most well-positioned to understand developments, challenges, and opportunities on the ground. Their voices and experiences are instrumental in crafting solutions-oriented policy that responds to root causes–whether at the U.S., EU, or UN level. Despite this, we find that local experts and advocates are often sidelined; they suffer from resource challenges; they lack access to training and convening opportunities; and they are often cut-off from each other and the international community.