The Andan approach

We foster self-reliance among displaced populations through economic and financial inclusion, education and vocational training, employment, and entrepreneurship. And we have a vision: to build free Global Cities for refugees and migrants; autonomous, self-governed subnational entities that provide a safe environment and rule of law, cities which will create wealth and prosperity for those who seek to settle there as well as for the nations hosting them.

We support impact and innovation

Our grant-making strategy supports a range of field projects and interventions, with a focus on refugee livelihoods, education, skills training, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. We also support academic research into new models and solutions and assist with the development and implementation of scalable pilot projects for refugee integration.

We are keen explorers of the application of new technologies to humanitarian relief, and passionate advocates of digital inclusion for refugees. All funded projects must achieve a demonstrable and measurable impact on refugee families in protracted displacement. Equal opportunities and women’s economic empowerment are preferential criteria in the selection of our interventions. 

We convene and collaborate

Andan will achieve its goals by working in partnership with UN agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions concerned with the refugee cause.

We believe that the private sector’s entrepreneurial ingenuity, coupled with humanitarian expertise, can dramatically contribute to the improvement of refugees’ lives. For this reason, we facilitate and propel partnerships between the private sector and UN agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions concerned with the refugee cause.

Over time, we seek to foster long-term, transformational solutions for refugees, including shifts in public policy. To this end, Andan participates in public debate and supports initiatives that raise awareness, lobby the government, and change attitudes towards refugees. 

A systematic change

The quest for durable solutions to the refugee issue must involve a gradual shift away from the current aid-based system toward an environment that allows refugees in long-term displacement to uplift themselves.

Andan contributes to this fundamental, systematic change, working from a perspective that recognizes the economic potential of refugees, as well as the willingness and the determination of these populations to rebuild their lives and integrate with their local communities.

Wherever appropriate, our projects also promote the concurrent development of hosting communities, to ensure that the benefits of refugee economic and financial integration are inclusive, far-reaching, and sustainable.