The road to peace must be paved with unity and a recent joint meeting in Jordan focused on strengthening locally led responses, particularly in emergencies.
Act for Peace, Chief of Global Solidarity, Geoff Robinson, travelled to Amman to meet with members of the ACT Alliance Emergency Preparedness and Response Reference Group.
The meetings focused on progressing the Rapid Response Fund, which supports local members to respond quickly in the immediate aftermath of an emergency. The group also worked on strengthening the links between humanitarian, development and peace work and improving emergency response coordination.
Act for Peace’s membership within ACT Alliance is integral to supporting our partners and the communities impacted by conflict and disaster.
“Collectively, the work of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Reference Group (EPHR) is laying a strong foundation for upholding humanitarian quality standards and fostering accountable, context-driven humanitarian responses while increasing the impact and reach for local and national organisations to respond to crises,” says Geoff.
The ACT Alliance is a global faith-based coalition of 152 members operating in 127 countries, with a collective goal to promote a locally led and coordinated approach to advocacy, humanitarian and developmental issues.
Events like the Amman meeting provide a tangible way for Act for Peace to draw on our experience working with partners, to influence policy and practice within the humanitarian system through the global reach of the ACT Alliance.
Act for Peace’s involvement helps to:
- Empower our partners so they are better equipped to prepare for and respond to emergencies
- Ensure global humanitarian funds are more accessible to local organisations
- Help shape a humanitarian system that prioritises communities most at risk
- Provide confidence that every dollar donated is backed by strong standards, accountability and evidence-based practice.
While influencing policy and practice is important, when it comes to seeking just peace in the Middle East, your generosity and advocacy are equally valuable to our unified response.
While in the Middle East, Geoff had the opportunity to meet with George Majaj, the ACT Alliance Interim Regional Representative, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) who wanted to share a personal message with you about the impact your support has on the response in Gaza.
Geoff also shared some practical ways you can continue to unite for peace in the Middle East:
- Continue to give compassionately, donations provide financial resources to help with life-saving support like food, shelter, medical care and protection.
- Advocate for humanity, speak up for the protection of civilians, safe humanitarian access, and respect for international law.
- Participate in local movements advocating for peace.
- Support local peacebuilders and Act for Peace partnerships
- Promote understanding by sharing accurate information and fostering empathy and respectful dialogue in your own circles.
- Help keep hope alive through prayer, reflection or holding space for peace