New Report on our Fair & Equitable Approach

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21), JLI is proud to release two key resources that reflect our commitment to just, inclusive, and equitable ways of working:

JLI has long been reflecting on systemic inequities, colonial legacies, and power imbalances in research and partnerships. In 2021, we formally launched the Fair & Equitable Approach, deepening our commitment to shifting power and fostering more just, inclusive, and locally led collaboration.

Since then, JLI has taken practical steps to challenge unequal power dynamics across:

• Research and knowledge work
• Partnerships and member engagement
• External communications
• Organizational culture

We recognize that this is an ongoing journey, and while we may not always get things right, we are committed to continuous reflection, learning, and accountability.

“Towards a Fair and Equitable Organisation” shares JLI’s journey, documenting:

• Key lessons from implementing the Fair & Equitable Approach
• Challenges and successes in decolonising research and partnerships
• Partner feedback on how JLI’s efforts have impacted collaborations
• Insights for other organisations working toward equity in research and community engagement

The report is a reflection, not a conclusion—our work towards accountability and systemic change is ongoing.

The Guiding Principles for a Fair & Equitable JLI, developed in 2023 through a collaborative process involving JLI’s staff, Board, and Leadership Council, expand upon the commitments made in our 2020 Commitment to Action on Racial Justice and Solidarity. These principles serve as both aspirational goals and practical steps to ensure JLI fully embodies fair and equitable values across all aspects of its work.

The Guiding Principles include commitments to:

• Humility, transparency, and flexibility in research and partnerships
• Accountability and mutual decision-making with collaborators
• Clear communication and equitable responsibility across all projects

Additionally, the document provides an implementation plan, offering clarity on how JLI intends to put these principles into practice.

To make these resources more accessible to our global network, both the report and guiding principles are available in:

The humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors continue to grapple with historic legacies of colonialism, racial injustice, and unequal power dynamics. These issues are deeply embedded in research, funding structures, and decision-making processes.

At JLI, we acknowledge that achieving a truly fair and equitable way of working requires ongoing reflection, dialogue, and systemic change. We hope these resources will contribute to sector-wide efforts to dismantle unjust power structures.