A Transformative

Empowerment

Initiative

In 2025–2026, Umbaja Organization will launch a visionary social empowerment initiative—Third Place Global—designed to support Sudanese refugees and migrant communities in the diaspora. Rooted in the principles of community, inclusion, and civic engagement, this project aspires to create vibrant social spaces where diverse voices come together to foster belonging, resilience, and democratic participation.

Far more than a gathering place, Third Place Global is envisioned as a dynamic and inclusive environment where individuals can connect across cultures and experiences—spaces where ideas are exchanged, identities are expressed, and communities are built from the ground up.

What Is a "Third Place"?

The term Third Place refers to public spaces that exist beyond the home (first place) and the workplace (second place). These are informal, open, and welcoming environments where people from all walks of life can gather, converse, and engage in collective experiences.

Third places are essential to the social fabric—they promote civic life, nurture cross-cultural dialogue, and provide platforms for inclusive participation. They are, at their core, community anchors that reinforce trust, social cohesion, and a sense of shared ownership in the public realm.

Vision and Purpose

Third Place Global is grounded in the belief that access to neutral, inclusive, and culturally sensitive spaces is critical for the flourishing of democracy, the strengthening of civil society, and the empowerment of marginalized communities—especially those displaced by conflict or seeking belonging in new lands.

By establishing a global network of Third Places in five cities worldwide, Umbaja seeks to create nurturing environments that promote dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaborative action across borders and identities.

Core Objectives

Promote Civic Engagement
Inspire active participation in local and transnational civic life through community-based initiatives, dialogue forums, and participatory events.

Foster Cross-Cultural Understanding
Create shared spaces for intercultural learning, where traditions, languages, and worldviews intersect respectfully and creatively.

Strengthen Local Communities
Serve as a social hub where residents—newcomers and long-standing locals alike—can co-create community projects, share knowledge, and build mutual support networks.

Support Social Inclusion
Ensure accessibility for all, particularly for refugees, women, youth, and other marginalized groups, while promoting dignity, visibility, and equal opportunity.

Enhance Democratic Values
Facilitate workshops, debates, and cultural dialogues that champion freedom of expression, equity, accountability, and justice.

Target Groups and Participants

Third Place Global is designed to bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, fostering collaboration across sectors and communities. Key participants include:

Sudanese diaspora communities and host populations worldwide
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society networks
Human rights defenders, democracy advocates, and global education leaders
Youth groups and women’s initiatives
Artists, storytellers, and cultural practitioners
Environmental advocates and climate justice organizers
Professionals and subject-matter experts across disciplines

By creating Third Place Global, Umbaja aims to spark a new wave of community empowerment and transnational solidarity—where shared spaces serve as catalysts for belonging, learning, and transformation. These are not just places to meet—they are places to dream, to organize, and to create lasting change.