The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) hosted a group of participants from the Saudi Fellowship for Community Engagement as part of their field visit to Jordan. The visit aimed to introduce the fellows to the realities of civil society in Jordan and to highlight best practices in promoting civic participation and participatory decision-making.
During the visit, the fellows learned about ARDD’s experience and operational frameworks, which focus on activating the localization of humanitarian and development action, strengthening networking and partnership-building, implementing community-based programs and initiatives, and producing evidence-based research through the Renaissance Strategic Center. These efforts contribute to transforming communities from passive recipients of services into active partners and owners of solutions.
The role of scientific research constituted a central theme of the discussion, with emphasis placed on the fact that effective humanitarian and development work cannot be sustainable or equitable without relying on scientific research and analysis to understand community needs, design interventions, and assess impact. The fellows expressed particular interest in this approach, noting that their professional practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are likewise grounded in scientific research and evidence-based policymaking.
In this context, Adv. Samar Muhareb, Executive Director of ARDD, affirmed that “genuine civic participation begins at the local level, through engaging communities as partners in diagnosis and decision-making.” She added that “scientific research and local knowledge form the foundation upon which any effective humanitarian or development intervention is built, serving as the compass that guides programs and policies toward more realistic and sustainable responses.”
Muhareb further explained that ARDD’s approach is based on “linking field and programmatic work with evidence-based research, proposing policies and solutions, and promoting community and civic participation in this regard, alongside fostering a spirit of community ownership of these solutions.”
The meeting was also attended by members of ARDD’s team from various departments, including heads of departments and project managers. An interactive discussion took place on mechanisms for engaging underrepresented groups and the role of participatory governance in building trust between communities and decision-makers. It is worth noting that the Saudi Fellowship for Community Engagement is a specialized professional program aimed at qualifying and empowering Saudi talents to lead community engagement systems across various sectors. It does so by combining theoretical learning, international field experience, and knowledge exchange with leading institutions, contributing to the localization of best practices within the Kingdom in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
At the conclusion of the visit, the fellows expressed their appreciation for the experience, affirming that their direct exposure to the work of ARDD and the Renaissance Strategic Center deepened their understanding of the nature of Jordanian civil society and its pivotal role in achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
