About
World Localization Day, celebrated each year on June 21, is a global initiative convened by the international NGO Local Futures. Numerous online and in-person events and campaigns take place on June 21 and throughout the month of June.
In collaboration with community groups, organisations, grassroots networks, activists, and policymakers, it brings people together to raise awareness of the need for a shift from global to local — and to celebrate the growing localization movement worldwide.
The story behind World Localization Day
In 2020, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Local Futures´ in-person programs and activities were set on pause. Yet, the need to mobilize around a global to local shift – towards greater self-reliance - was more important than ever. The pandemic highlighted the perils of depending on global trade for basic needs, our ability to cut emissions, and not least, the importance of strong communities and food produced close to home.
This pause in our place-based work and the urgency of the situation, led us to dream: what would it look like to bring together – even if only online – as many voices as possible from the worldwide localization movement for place-based economies? That year we produced an unique online film festival full of interviews, film clips, music, and comedy.
World Localization Day was born and has been expanding ever since! Browse our Resources page and explore the extensive collection of freely available materials specially produced for World Localization Day in previous years.
What is localization?
For a deeper understanding about the need for an economic shift from global to local, watch this short video by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Local Futures' founder; Damon Gameau, film maker; and Ella Noah Bancroft, indigenous storyteller.
Who we are
Local Futures, the convenor of World Localization Day, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to renewing ecological and social well-being by strengthening communities and local economies worldwide.
Our films, books, blog, podcast, webinars, conferences, and campaigns are helping to map out a realistic path towards a truly sustainable future. Local Futures is founded and directed by Helena Norberg-Hodge, a pioneer of the worldwide localization movement.
Meet global partners
Hear from people across the movement and discover organizations creating change on the ground.
Be part of it this June
Join us for World Localization Day in June! Sign up for events hosted by Local Futures, our global partners or host your own.