The Social Innovation Challenge: Empowering Young Change makers in Jordan
In a world facing increasingly complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, young people are becoming some of the most powerful drivers of change. Across Jordan and the Arab region, initiatives that empower youth with innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills are helping create more resilient and inclusive communities.

One of the most inspiring examples of this approach is the Social Innovation Challenge, an initiative launched by Leaders of Tomorrow under the leadership of Dr. Sami Hourani. The challenge brings together ambitious young people from diverse socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds to collaboratively solve pressing social issues through creativity, innovation, mentorship, and practical action.
The initiative is also represented online through SI Challenge.
What is the Social Innovation Challenge?
The Social Innovation Challenge is a youth empowerment program designed to help participants transform ideas into impactful social initiatives. Instead of focusing only on theory, the challenge emphasizes practical learning, teamwork, design thinking, and community engagement.

Participants work together to identify real problems affecting their communities and develop innovative solutions that can create measurable social impact. Throughout the program, they receive:
- Interactive training sessions
- Mentorship from experts and professionals
- Leadership and communication coaching
- Design thinking and problem-solving workshops
- Guidance in project development and implementation
- Opportunities to pitch and refine their ideas
The challenge reflects the broader mission of Leaders of Tomorrow: building a generation of young leaders who are capable of driving positive social transformation.
Founded on a Vision of Youth Empowerment
The Social Innovation Challenge was created within the ecosystem of initiatives founded by Dr. Sami Hourani, a Jordanian social entrepreneur and youth advocate widely recognized for his work in civic engagement, education, and innovation.

His work focuses on creating accessible opportunities for youth regardless of their social or economic background.
A Comprehensive Approach to Social Innovation
What makes the Social Innovation Challenge unique is its comprehensive and human-centered approach. The initiative does not simply ask participants to propose ideas; instead, it guides them through a full innovation journey.

Participants are encouraged to:
- Understand community needs deeply
- Analyze root causes of social problems
- Collaborate across different perspectives
- Build sustainable and realistic solutions
- Develop leadership and storytelling skills
- Learn how to turn ideas into actionable projects
The program combines experiential learning with mentorship, allowing youth to gain both technical and personal development skills.
According to UNESCO, similar social innovation programs organized by Leaders of Tomorrow have included training in active citizenship, creative thinking, storytelling, project management, and peacebuilding.
Diversity as a Core Strength
One of the strongest aspects of the Social Innovation Challenge is its focus on diversity and inclusion. Participants come from different governorates, educational levels, economic backgrounds, and cultures.

This diversity creates richer discussions and more innovative solutions. By bringing together young people with different experiences and viewpoints, the challenge encourages empathy, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
The initiative also strengthens social cohesion by creating safe spaces where youth can openly discuss community challenges and work together toward solutions.
Building Real Community Impact
The Social Innovation Challenge is not limited to brainstorming sessions or workshops. Many participants continue developing their projects after the program ends, turning ideas into real initiatives that benefit local communities.

Previous projects developed through Leaders of Tomorrow’s innovation programs have addressed issues related to:
- Cultural identity
- Youth engagement
- Community development
- Environmental sustainability
- Heritage preservation
- Social inclusion
- Creative industries
- Peacebuilding
UNESCO highlighted how youth participating in these innovation programs launched community initiatives focused on art, culture, recycling, storytelling, and local identity across Jordanian cities including Amman, Zarqa, and Ajloun.
Why Social Innovation Matters
Traditional approaches to solving social problems are often limited by bureaucracy, lack of participation, or outdated systems. Social innovation introduces a more flexible and community-driven model where young people become active contributors instead of passive observers.

Programs like the Social Innovation Challenge help youth develop the confidence and skills needed to become:
- Social entrepreneurs
- Community leaders
- Creative thinkers
- Civic innovators
- Problem solvers
- Change-makers
In a region where unemployment and social challenges affect many young people, empowering youth with innovation and leadership skills can create long-term positive impact.
Leaders of Tomorrow: A Hub for Innovation
Founded in 2007, Leaders of Tomorrow has become one of Jordan’s leading youth-focused organizations and social innovation hubs. The organization works to promote:
- Civic engagement
- Social accountability
- Human rights
- Youth leadership
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Educational opportunities
Its initiatives have reached thousands of young people across Jordan and the Arab region through debates, educational programs, innovation challenges, and digital platforms.
Conclusion
The Social Innovation Challenge represents more than just a training program — it is a platform for empowering youth to transform ideas into meaningful action.
By combining mentorship, creativity, leadership, and community engagement, the initiative helps young people become active participants in shaping a better future for their societies.
As Jordan and the wider region continue to face social and economic challenges, initiatives like the Social Innovation Challenge demonstrate the incredible potential of youth-led innovation to create sustainable and positive change.























Diwanieh is a Jordanian cultural and social platform designed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and intellectual exchange among diverse communities. Inspired by the traditional Arab Diwaniyeh — a social gathering place where people discuss politics, culture, literature, and community affairs – the modern Diwanieh creates safe and inclusive spaces for conversations that matter.























