Jordan | Understanding Humanitarian Innovation: RIL on #HikayatAthar

In this episode of Hikaya Athar (Stories of Impact), Ruba Hijazi, Head of Programs at Response Innovation Lab, takes us through the story of how RIL emerged and how it works to strengthen locally led humanitarian innovation.

From its origins following the 2015 Nepal earthquake to its growing network across humanitarian contexts, Ruba explores why innovation must begin with understanding the problem, how local innovators can bring context-specific solutions to humanitarian challenges, and why meaningful innovation depends on collaboration across an entire ecosystem.

The conversation also looks at RIL’s approach to ecosystem mapping, challenge identification, matchmaking, piloting and evidence generation, alongside lessons from initiatives in Jordan, Somalia, Gaza, Uganda and beyond. At its heart is a simple message: innovation is not about having the most sophisticated idea. It is about understanding a real problem, testing possible solutions, learning and adapting, and working with the right people to create meaningful change.