In October 2024, Impact Europe and Alfanar facilitated an event to celebrate Jordan’s growing social impact ecosystem and showcase the dynamic initiatives taking place across the Arab region. Stakeholders from countries including Lebanon, Tunisia, Jordan, and Palestine came together to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange with Jordanian social enterprises and impact organisations.

The convening served as an important milestone for Jordan’s ongoing impact initiatives and provided a platform to showcase how social enterprises can drive sustainable development and social change. It also marked a significant step towards positioning Jordan as a leader in Arab social entrpreneurship.

Building Connections Across Borders

We enabled enriching conversations on social impact by gathering a diverse group of impact-driven leaders, organisations, and social enterprises, with representatives from seven countries. The event focused on strengthening the ecosystem to ensure that ideas, resources, and partnerships cross borders to amplify the region’s collective impact.

Highlights from the Event

Amidst discussions, panels and speeches, Alfanar's Jordan and Palestine Director Suha Abdul Rahim reflected on the spirit of resilience that defines the region: "When I think about impact, I look to Gaza and Lebanon – the creativity, innovation, and drive to not give up and respond – it’s outstanding. The determination to collectively be present and persevere is all rooted in a common purpose – creating positive impact! This is what impact is – a common purpose for good."

This feedback resonated throughout the day and was a reminder of the strength and determination that underpins the region’s social enterprises. Martijn Blom, Fund Manager at Impact Europe, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the perseverance in Jordan and the broader Arab region despite ongoing challenges: "The determination and perseverance to move on and push further, despite or maybe also because of everything that is happening in the region. Not let 'better' be the enemy of 'good': Imagine, think, debate about what might be needed next, but more importantly, just do and learn from the steps. The Jordan community is very collaborative. They take ownership, or maybe rather stewardship, of developing this new narrative of moving from funding to financing of impact."

In his remarks, Andrew Collingwood, Managing Partner at Expectation State, encouraged the community to define and express impact in ways that are rooted in local contexts: "Now, more than ever, we need to express and define impact in a way that is relevant, works for and is rooted in our communities, ecosystems, countries and region. We have to gather as an impact community to do that. I’m always struck by how knowledgeable and practical we are in the region when it comes to impact. The opportunity to share ideas around movement building, definitions, language and tools with organisations and individuals from across the region was wonderful, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make impact work for us."

A Collaborative Future for Impact

The conversations generated at the event made clear that there is a shared vision for collaboration, collective ownership and a shift towards sustainable financing in Jordan and the wider region.

Alfanar, along with its partners, will continue to strengthen the impact ecoystem and empower organisations to work together in innovative ways to support social change. This event served to kickstart initiatives in Jordan and provide a call to action for the region’s social entrepreneurs, investors, and partners to join forces in shaping a future defined by social impact and sustainability. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing this journey with all those who share our vision.