Statement: “Collaboration and resource-sharing are not just cost-saving measures—they are strategic imperatives that amplify our impact. Joint country programs enable organizations to work together more effectively, pooling their strengths to deliver holistic and sustainable solutions to the communities we serve.” — Ali Al Mokdad
Strategic Perspective: Ali Al Mokdad champions the concept of joint country programs as a transformative approach to humanitarian and development work. In an increasingly complex global environment, where resources are limited and challenges are vast, Ali sees joint country programs as a vital strategy for maximizing impact and ensuring sustainable outcomes.
Joint country programs involve multiple INGOs coming together within a single country or region to pool resources, expertise, and efforts. This collaborative model allows organizations to leverage each other’s strengths, avoid duplication, and deliver more comprehensive solutions. By working together under a unified framework, INGOs can achieve shared goals more efficiently, providing better value for money and addressing the needs of the population more effectively.
Ali’s approach to joint country programs emphasizes the empowerment of local communities. He believes that these collaborations should not only streamline operations but also strengthen the capacity of local actors. By working closely with local NGOs and community-based organizations, joint country programs can ensure that interventions are culturally relevant, community-driven, and sustainable in the long term. Ali advocates for partnerships that respect and elevate local expertise, fostering a sense of ownership and resilience within the communities served.
Ali also highlights the importance of building strong partnerships among INGOs, where trust, transparency, and shared vision are key. By aligning resources and strategies, INGOs can enhance their collective impact, reduce operational costs, and provide a more coordinated response to crises. This approach not only improves efficiency but also allows for a more integrated and holistic delivery of services, ensuring that the needs of the communities are met comprehensively.
Future Vision: Ali envisions a future where joint country programs become the norm in humanitarian and development efforts. He sees these programs as a strategic response to the challenges of rising operational costs, donor fatigue, and the need for more effective localization. Ali’s future vision includes INGOs adopting joint country programs as standard practice, creating robust partnerships that are flexible and adaptable to different regional contexts.
Ali believes that by working together through joint country programs, organizations can achieve a level of impact that would be unattainable individually. He sees these programs as hubs of innovation, where shared resources and expertise lead to more creative and effective solutions to global challenges.
Moreover, Ali stresses that each organization, community, and individual involved in these programs has a crucial role to play. He emphasizes that even small actions within these collaborations can lead to larger, transformative impacts. By embracing the principles of partnership, empowerment, and shared responsibility, Ali believes that joint country programs can significantly advance the mission of creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.