Hope Through Leadership: The GLS in the Middle East

In a region often known for its challenges, a quiet movement of hope and leadership is rising. Through the Global Leadership Summit (GLS), leaders across the Middle East are discovering practical tools, shared values, and a renewed vision for how leadership can serve communities, rebuild trust, and create change that lasts.

At the heart of this growing movement is Fady Eldeiry, founder of the Living Stones Group and Regional Director for the Global Leadership Network (GLN) Middle East, who has been leading the charge to bring GLS to new audiences across Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and beyond.

Raising Up a New Generation of Leaders

“Today, we have a new generation in Jordan learning about leadership through GLS,” Fady explains. “And we’re excited to see how this is spreading across the Middle East.”

The GLS is creating safe, diverse spaces where leaders—from business, education, faith, and government—can learn from world-class speakers, exchange ideas, and grow together.

In a region marked by cultural complexity and deep history, this kind of leadership development is proving to be essential.

Shifting Cultural Mindsets

Leadership in the Middle East is evolving. For generations, leadership was often associated with authority or charisma—but as Fady shares, GLS is helping redefine what it means to lead.

“In our culture, we sometimes label someone a leader simply because they speak well or hold a position of power,” he says. “But true leadership is about integrity, emotional intelligence, and serving others.”

The Summit equips participants to handle challenges with courage and empathy—skills that go far beyond professional success and touch every aspect of community life.

Expanding Beyond the Church

What makes the GLS unique in the Middle East is its ability to bridge divides. The Summit is open to people of all faiths and sectors, fostering connection and collaboration in regions where unity is often hard to come by.

“It’s inspiring to see how GLS in Egypt and Jordan is expanding beyond the church,” says Fady. “We’re seeing business leaders, educators, and government officials attend—people hungry to learn how to lead with integrity and purpose.”

Through these events, new partnerships are forming, and leaders are beginning to model servant leadership—placing others above themselves for the greater good of their organizations and communities.

A Ripple Effect of Change

The stories coming from the region are powerful: students choosing to serve their schools, business owners rethinking how they treat employees, and pastors and community leaders uniting across denominations.

Fady has witnessed this ripple effect firsthand.

“When people attend the GLS, they don’t just learn—they change,” he shares. “They go home and lead differently. And that’s how transformation begins, one person, one leader at a time.”

Watch Fady’s Full Summit Impact Story

Fady’s journey is a testament to how faith-based leadership development can create meaningful change—even in the most challenging contexts.