Both Lebanon and Iraq are religiously, culturally, and ethnically diverse countries. However, despite this diversity, decades of civil war, external interventions, and internal violent conflicts have affected the way communities interact and engage with each other. In other words, it has created an “us-versus-them” mentality and promoted a narrative of victimization rather than one celebrating diversity. Furthermore, young leaders and civil society organizations are not sufficiently supported in their quest to achieve social cohesion and inclusive public life.

In this context, Adyan acknowledges that change cannot happen without community forces that are actively pursuing it, and embodying the model of this hoped-for change. Through the Community Engagement Department, Adyan networks in Lebanon and Iraq represent living examples of the richness of coexistence and cross-cultural, cross-regional, and cross-religious interactions. They also constitute an arena for building capacities, for societal initiatives, and for participation in public debates and public affairs, in line with the values of the foundation. The project builds on earlier iterations of Adyan’s Networks for Inclusive Citizenship and Spiritual Solidarity in Lebanon and Iraq. These projects created four networks in Lebanon for youth (age 18-21), volunteers (over 21 years), ambassadors (post-volunteering stage), families, and the Iraqi Network for Inclusive Citizenship, who are also considered ambassadors.