Engaging with local faith actors and communities: a toolkit

A large proportion of EU development and humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding action is operational in countries and regions where faith and belief play a large part in shaping customs, practices and frameworks of wellbeing. Understanding religious dynamics in these contexts is essential for identifying drivers of social cohesion, or conversely of inequalities and divisions. The dynamics shape the appropriate intervention and support.

An informed engagement of religious leaders, faith community representatives, faith-based and secular organisations should be included systematically in humanitarian and development programming and the post-Covid19 vision and recovery plan.

The toolkit checklists suggest several concrete actions to implement for more systematic engagements: from facilitating dialogue and convening meetings with diverse religious leaders, faith communities and faith-based organisations and