Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob brings a unique combination of international development expertise and spiritual formation to the challenge of democratic renewal. In addition to serving in senior roles with academic, governmental, and multilateral institutions, Dr. Jacob completed Benedictine spiritual direction training at Bennet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs. He drew profound insights on personal and democratic renewal from the Benedictine spiritual tradition of contemplation, deep listening, community, discernment, and servant leadership—principles tested over 1,500 years.

"I've seen too many well-designed democratic institutions fail because the people within them lacked the inner capacity for authentic leadership. I've watched communities and great organisations torn apart by division that could have been healed through contemplative dialogue. The tools exist in our spiritual traditions – we just need the courage to apply them to our contemporary political challenges." - Dr. Jacob

Learn more about Dr. Jacob’s professional career here.