In the Middle East, the oldest Christian communities are at risk of disappearing due to persecution and violence, uncertainty and instability, but also due to limited or non-existent economic opportunities and perspectives. Beyond physical safety and rights, economic stability is essential for them to remain in their homelands. Therefore, addressing the socio-economic predicament of Middle East Christians is a paramount objective for Pro Oriente Christiano.

The Foundation’s primary concern is the immediate support of the most vulnerable. In parallel, its economic programs are designed to include Christian communities in the region that enjoy a degree of safety and stability, enabling them to play a vital role in supporting fellow Christians across the Middle East who are facing urgent hardship.

A core focus of the Foundation’s efforts in this context is the engagement of entrepreneurs, particularly those of Christian faith, whether local, regional or global, committed with the aim of stemming Christian emigration from the region.

Entrepreneurs are one of the greatest forces of good in the world. They are vital to generating income, employment, economic gains, as well as to transfer skills and training, spinning off new businesses, and raising living standards. Pro Oriente Christiano’s goal is to mobilize entrepreneurs along with other equally crucial stakeholders (investors, philanthropists, capacity builders, academics, financial players) interested in catalyzing socio-economic development as the main antidote to the Christian exodus from the Middle East.

The idea embodies a passionate worldwide call to entrepreneurs and businesspeople, both local and global, to demonstrate exceptional courage and generosity. Courage, because engaging with fragile economies and the risks inherent in critical contexts demands their skills be pushed to the absolute limit. Generosity, because it requires placing their God-given talents at the service of their brothers and sisters in profound need.

Those entrepreneurs and businesspeople within the Middle Eastern Christian diasporas, who have notably thrived in their adopted countries, naturally come to mind here, first and foremost.

Of particular note is that the fruits of this endeavor would powerfully and once again demonstrate the role of Christians as a leaven for society in the Middle East: the benefits would be widespread and not solely directed towards Christian communities. The systemic effects of networked economic development, notably when aligned with a conscious strategy to promote general and non-sectarian prosperity, would produce employment and economic gains for other local communities of different religions. Moreover, in countries afflicted by crises and conflicts, entrepreneurship is also instrumental to peacebuilding, since unemployment and lack of economic opportunities are major factors in driving people to join extremist and violent groups.

In conclusion, the economic revitalization of Christian communities in the Middle East — as well as the strengthening of already stable ones — would thus bring about benefits that would transcend denominational boundaries, enhancing Christian traditional assets, such as education and charitable work, fostering social cohesion, dialogue and cooperation for the common good in local societies.