In 2008-2009 NPWJ will continue to promote the role of non-state actors as a legitimate counterpart of dialogue within the democracy building processes of countries in the Middle East and North Africa Region through activities based on three fundamental criteria:
(1) Openness. Activities will have an open and public approach aiming at fostering confidence and trust between civil society and public institutions;
(2) Local ownership. Activities will reflect policy priorities and methodologies identified on the ground and will focus on the needs, priorities and methodologies as perceived by local non-state actors;
(3) In-country strategies. Activities will develop feasible suggestions and proposals for the implementation of in-country strategies toward the recognition of civil society as a legitimate and necessary counterpart to public institutions for dialogue on issues of democratic transition.
The program will focus on the Maghreb sub-region, Lebanon and Iran, as locations with a high relevance for the reform process in the MENA Region and with diverse political experiences. In the Arab countries activities will aim at broadening to the theme of transitional justice already existing mechanisms of dialogue and active engagement of both governments and civil society in order to further the results of previous meetings organised by NPWJ, notably in Doha, Qatar in May 2007 and in Rabat, Morocco in November 2007. The activities to be carried out in Iran are specifically designed to support stakeholders themselves promoting democratisation effectively within the country with a view to establishing practices capable of fostering non-conflictual mechanisms in the resolution of matters crucial to democratic transition.
Four primary program activities are implemented in target countries: (1) Training and support to target groups in acquiring and consolidating knowledge, negotiation capacity, diplomatic and advocacy skills, primarily in the field of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; (2) Fostering partnerships among Regional and international stakeholders aimed at effectively facilitating debates in the fields of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; (3) Establishing effective networks for the exchange of information and knowledge; (4) Publishing and distributing materials on key topics for wider dissemination.
This strategy is implemented through multiple-donor and regional and national projects, involving governments and non-state actors from the broader MENA Region, the G-8 and other international partners including, in particular, the Forum for the Future, the Democracy Assistance Dialogue (DAD) initiative and United Nations agencies.
Current funding is generously provided by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). Fundraising efforts continue in order to garner additional financial support from other potential donors.
