In a world that feels increasingly fragmented, the need for social connection has never been more urgent. Decades of research reveal that meaningful social relationships are critical to physical, mental, and emotional health. Yet, in many communities—including those in the Middle East—urbanisation, migration, and other modern challenges have strained traditional networks of connection. However, global efforts, including the WHO Commission on Social Connection, are now underway to address loneliness and isolation and prioritise social connection as a public health goal. As part of these and similar efforts, public health guidance for social connection is needed.
To that end, our Recommended Public Health Guidelines for Social Connection provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges at both the individual and community levels. These guidelines were developed using a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ensure their relevance and applicability across diverse contexts. The process began with a Delphi study, engaging a global panel of experts in social connection to gather consensus on foundational principles and practical recommendations. This was complemented by rapid evidence reviews and focus group interviews with key populations, including older adults, marginalized communities, and culturally diverse groups. Quantitative surveys assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the guidelines, incorporating insights from the general population. Each guideline was evaluated using a grading framework, considering factors such as evidence strength, cultural alignment, and implementation feasibility. Through iterative feedback and consultation with stakeholders, the guidelines were refined to balance scientific rigour with practical application, ensuring they address both individual and community needs for fostering meaningful social connection.
Recognizing that social connection is a collective endeavour, these guidelines emphasize the interplay between personal actions and community-driven strategies. By leveraging the cultural strengths of the Middle East, such as interdependence and family cohesion, and through initiatives like the MENARAH Network, we can foster collaboration, build capacity, and raise awareness about the transformative power of connection.
Individual Guidelines: Building Connection in Everyday Life
1. Make social connection a priority throughout your life
Social connection doesn’t just happen—it requires intentionality. Individuals should regularly reflect on their social needs and take steps to nurture meaningful relationships. In the Middle East, cultural traditions and religious gatherings provide natural opportunities for connection. By integrating these events into daily life, individuals can sustain bonds that support health and wellbeing.
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2. Cultivate social confidence in yourself and others
Social connection can be intimidating, particularly for those who feel isolated or insecure. Taking small steps to engage with others, being compassionate with oneself, and seeking professional support when needed are essential. MENARAH could help by supporting community-based programs that boost confidence, such as peer-led groups or workshops that address stigma around loneliness.
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3. Build a strong social network with a variety of kinds of relationships
Relying on one person to meet all social needs can be limiting. Individuals should aim to form relationships across different domains of life—work, family, and community. In the Middle East, intergenerational programs can help bridge gaps and create networks that are both diverse and supportive.
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4. Invest in getting enough social connection
Frequent, meaningful interactions are key to combating loneliness. Simple activities, such as weekly coffee meetings or community volunteer work, can help individuals stay engaged. MENARAH could partner with local organizations to provide accessible spaces and events that encourage regular connection.
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5. Maintain and deepen your relationships with others
Healthy relationships require care and attention. By practicing good communication, setting boundaries, and being responsive to the needs of others, individuals can foster relationships that stand the test of time. In the Middle East, leveraging cultural practices like shared meals and family gatherings can help deepen existing connections.
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6. Seek out face-to-face interactions and use technology wisely
While technology is a valuable tool for staying connected, it should complement, not replace, in-person interaction. Older adults in the Middle East can benefit from digital literacy programs to maintain ties with family abroad while participating in community events that offer face-to-face engagement.
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Community Guidelines: Creating Environments for Connection
1. Promote awareness of the importance of social connection
Communities play a pivotal role in shaping norms around social interaction. Public campaigns, professional education, and policy advocacy can raise awareness about the health benefits of connection. MENARAH can collaborate with local leaders to ensure these messages resonate across diverse audiences.
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2. Foster healthy social and emotional development
By providing education and resources to build social and emotional skills, communities can empower individuals to connect. In the Middle East, age-appropriate programs can support children, adults, and older generations alike, fostering resilience and emotional wellbeing.
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3. Make social connection a priority in policies and practices
Policies that encourage connection—such as funding for community programs or urban designs that prioritize walkability—create environments where relationships can thrive. MENARAH could advocate for the inclusion of social connection metrics in public policy frameworks.
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4. Design environments for connection and invest in social events, activities, and programs
Communities thrive when physical spaces are designed to encourage interaction. Public parks, cultural centers, and inclusive events can become hubs of connection. Traditional Middle Eastern spaces, like mosques and markets, can be reimagined to maximize accessibility and inclusivity.
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5. Improve accessibility and inclusion for all people
Removing barriers to social participation is critical. Communities must address issues like mobility challenges, language differences, and systemic discrimination to ensure everyone can connect. MENARAH could lead efforts to promote equity and inclusion in community initiatives, fostering spaces where all members feel valued.
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6. Measure and make progress towards improving social wellbeing
To ensure lasting impact, communities must monitor and evaluate their social wellbeing. By investing in research and using regionally relevant metrics, MENARAH can guide communities in identifying gaps and implementing evidence-based solutions.
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The Interplay Between Individual and Community Actions
Social connection is not a one-sided endeavor. While individuals must actively nurture relationships, communities provide the environments that make connection possible. In the Middle East, this interplay is especially evident:
- Individuals Need Communities: Accessible public spaces and inclusive policies enable individuals to form and maintain relationships.
- Communities Need Individuals: Engaged individuals create the vibrant social fabric that strengthens community bonds.
The MENARAH Network is uniquely positioned to bridge these efforts, fostering collaborations between individuals, policymakers, and organizations to address systemic barriers while empowering personal actions
A Collective Path Forward
The Recommended Public Health Guidelines for Social Connection provide a comprehensive framework for fostering social wellbeing at both the individual and community levels. By working together, individuals and communities can build healthier, more cohesive societies.Through initiatives like the MENARAH Network, these guidelines can be adapted and implemented to preserve the Middle East’s cultural strengths while addressing modern challenges. Let’s prioritize connection—for a healthier, more connected future
Kiffer G. Card
Kiffer G. Card, PhD, is a researcher studying the social and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing. Currently, he is the Scientific Director of the Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health, President and Chair for the Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance, President of the Island Sexual Health Community Health Centre, Director of Research for GenWell, and an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. At SFU, he leads the Healthy Ecologies and Lifestyles (HEAL) Lab, where he and his team study the socio-ecological determinants of health and well-being, with an emphasis on community and social connection, health equity, and emotional distress. Through his academic research, Dr. Card has trained over 50 research assistants, undergraduates, graduate trainees, and postdoctoral fellows. Together Dr. Card and his lab members are advancing our understanding of how to build happier and healthier communities in the face of multiplying public health crises, including climate change, pandemics, and economic turmoil. Dr. Card’s work has been featured in more than 200 lay and academic publications, more than 100 academic conference presentations, and nearly 100 news media interviews. Through these outputs and his advocacy, Dr. Card has made significant impacts on healthcare policy and practice and provided training opportunities for the next generation of researchers and practitioners in Canada.
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