Statement: “Bearing witness to suffering, injustice, and inequality is more than observation—it’s a call to action. By witnessing firsthand, we gain the responsibility to advocate, act, and drive change for those whose voices are unheard.” — Ali Al Mokdad
Strategic Perspective: For Ali Al Mokdad, bearing witness is not just a passive act; it is a fundamental operational principle that drives his work in humanitarian and development contexts. To Ali, bearing witness means being present in the most vulnerable and affected areas, understanding the realities faced by marginalized communities, and using that knowledge to inform action. This principle goes beyond documentation; it entails a deep commitment to listening, understanding, and standing in solidarity with those who are suffering.
Ali believes that organizations must embrace this principle to remain grounded in the realities of the people they aim to serve. By bearing witness, humanitarian workers, leaders, and advocates gain firsthand insight into the challenges and needs of local communities. This helps ensure that development strategies, advocacy efforts, and humanitarian interventions are responsive, relevant, and rooted in the lived experiences of those most affected.
Ali also stresses that bearing witness brings a moral obligation to amplify the voices of the unheard and to advocate for justice and change on their behalf. This principle reinforces the need for transparency, integrity, and accountability in all operations, ensuring that the stories and experiences of the vulnerable are accurately represented and serve as the foundation for action.
Future Vision: Ali envisions a future where bearing witness becomes an integral part of how organizations operate globally, fostering deeper empathy and a commitment to meaningful change. He believes that organizations that prioritize this principle will lead with integrity, ensuring that their actions are based on real-world experiences and the voices of those directly affected.
Ali’s vision includes the establishment of frameworks that encourage organizations to continually engage with the communities they serve, not just as service providers but as witnesses to their realities. This approach will cultivate stronger relationships with local communities, promote accountability, and lead to more effective and impactful interventions. Ali also see bearing witness as a core operational and programmatic principle in field operations.
He also believes that individuals and organizations alike have a role to play in bearing witness. Whether it’s through direct involvement in humanitarian work, advocacy efforts, or sharing stories that need to be heard, Ali emphasizes that bearing witness transforms awareness into action. Through this principle, Ali sees the potential for a more just, compassionate, and responsive global humanitarian system.