Thematic Areas of Focus

Humanitarian

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Gender Justice

Migration & Displacement

Peace & Human Security

Advocacy

Peace and Human Security

Peace and human security can only be achieved through collaborative efforts especially ecumenical and interfaith approaches.

 

ACT Alliance approaches peace and human security (P&HS) through a distinctly collaborative and ecumenical lens, recognising that sustainable peace is only achievable when diverse actors, including faith-based, humanitarian, interfaith, and multilaterals work together. Whether in contexts of protracted conflict, fragile transitions, or emerging crises, ACT’s focus remains on fostering partnerships that amplify advocacy, strengthen community resilience, and accompany local actors in their peacebuilding journeys.

In 2024, ACT deepened this work across Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), supporting local and regional initiatives in countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, and through expanded dialogue in the MENA region. Engagements with ecumenical actors like the World Council of Churches (WCC), regional bodies such as the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), and humanitarian and development partners like Christian Aid have helped to strengthen strategic alignment and reinforce ACT’s role as a convener and catalyst in the peace space.

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A joint meeting was held between ACT Alliance and the World Council of Churches (WCC) to explore ways of strengthening collaboration on peace and human security (P&HS) work. The meeting resulted in key action points, including WCC nominating a representative to join ACT’s Reference Group (RG) meetings. It provided clarity on how to engage more effectively and in a structured manner, with clear guidelines. The discussion underscored the importance of sensitising ACT members and forums to prevent potential pushback on joint peace initiatives.

An information exchange and exploratory meeting was held with the Christian Aid to share knowledge on ACT’s Peace and Human Security (P&HS) plans and explore potential linkages between the work of ACT Alliance and Christian Aid. Christian Aid expressed interest in joining ACT’s Reference Group on P&HS. Additionally, a joint meeting with the Gender Justice Team was convened to explore opportunities for strengthening nexus programming and identifying areas of collaboration across peace, gender, and humanitarian action.

Africa: South Sudan

 

In January, the programme facilitated the annual global meeting of the Ecumenical Network for South Sudan (ENSS), hosted at the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC). The gathering enabled stakeholders to share their work and 2024 plans, while identifying ways to align initiatives for stronger collective advocacy on peace in South Sudan. This was followed by an ecumenical solidarity visit to South Sudan, organised in partnership with the World Council of Churches, All Africa Conference of Churches, Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA), and others. The visit affirmed the ecumenical presence for peace and unity in the country, and offered spiritual and moral support to the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC). ACT Alliance also accompanied SSCC through a significant transition process that culminated in a General Assembly, where a new Secretary General was elected and an amended constitution adopted.

Africa: Sudan

 

In neighbouring Sudan, ACT Alliance participated in a solidarity visit to Port Sudan, co-organised with WCC and other ecumenical partners. The visit aimed to express solidarity with the churches and people of Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict, emphasising the biblical message of unity: “Many parts, one body.” Delegates met with political leaders, church leaders, women and youth representatives, many of whom were displaced from Khartoum. They also engaged with humanitarian actors and visited two IDP camps hosted in school buildings within Port Sudan city, where they witnessed firsthand the unmet humanitarian needs, challenges of access, and the urgency of sustained peace advocacy in the country.

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

 

In the Middle East and North Africa region, ACT Alliance convened a consultative meeting on Peace and Human Security, bringing together members to share their work and experiences. The initiative provided greater clarity on current engagements, highlighted possible areas for deeper collaboration, and fostered a shared understanding of the diverse approaches to peacebuilding within the region.

In 2025, the programme aims to strengthen ecumenical peace advocacy by deepening collaboration with the World Council of Churches, regional ecumenical bodies such as the All Africa Conference of Churches, UN agencies, and other key partners. Priority focus areas will include Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the MENA region, with exploratory engagements anticipated in Asia.

ACT will also facilitate and coordinate activities of the Africa Peace and Human Security (P&HS) Community of Practice (CoP), including lead-up events to the International Day of Peace and thematic webinars on issues such as youth and women’s roles in peacebuilding.

ACT will also be piloting the Triple Nexus programming, integrating humanitarian, development, and peace approaches, in the MENA region and potentially in South Sudan, to enhance holistic responses in complex crisis settings.