Empowering localization: Decolonizing knowledge systems in the MENA region

 

This project highlights the importance of reclaiming intellectual sovereignty and promoting local expertise for economic and social empowerment. It involves documenting two case studies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The first is from Jordan and focuses on localizing impact investment — making investments with the intention of generating positive, measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns — with the engagement of the private sector. The second case study is from Egypt and focuses on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals to address socio-economic challenges and empower marginalized communities, particularly women, from Upper Egypt. Both case studies have a strong gender perspective that ensures the advancement of equity and women’s economic independence.

The methodology centres around the development of tailored impact measurement frameworks which define “impact” in terms of the local context. This work, done in collaboration with local researchers and multisectoral institutions, is aimed at producing actionable insights that foster local leadership and establish best practices. These efforts are complemented by a commitment to the production of knowledge products that not only measure impact but also provide a roadmap for scaling successful models across different low- and middle-income contexts. Key activities include engagement of local stakeholders, production of online interactive case study materials, training for researchers, and organization of regional events and global conferences to share the findings and tools developed during the project.