The Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities (JLI) is  working towards shifting power, resources and leadership in its faith-focused research and evidence work to a regional level – to the Middle East, East Africa, South East Asia, and beyond

In many parts of the world, individuals or groups whose actions are motivated by their faith make up an important part of civil society. Local faith actors (such as churches, imams but also informal religious leaders including respected elders) often play significant roles in their local communities, serving those most in need, providing hope, and addressing vital societal functions, especially in areas where the state’s role of providing for its citizens is limited. However, their contributions are often not acknowledged by secular international actors and states, who are often wary of religion and religious actors. 

In this blogpost, JLI’s Acting Director of Research, Dr Jennifer Philippa Eggert, and Regional Coordinator, Zainab Chamoun, provide detailed context about the organisation’s plans in the Middle East, mainly focusing on the Middle East Hub on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and Faith.

Click here to read the full blogpost in Arabic and English languages.