Background Information

The source of legitimacy of the Arab Network for NGOs comes from the recommendations of the 2nd Conference of NGOs held in Cairo in May 1997.  The Conference included 1070 participants representing Arab NGOs, experts and researchers, representatives of regional and international organizations.

This Conference could be considered as a linking step between the previous form issued from the First Conference held in 1989 and known as the Follow-Up Committee for Arab NGOs and the actual more developed institutional form.

Fields of activity:

  • Training workers and volunteers in Arab NGOs in developing the capacity building of organizations and training of Arab trainers.  

  • Conducting action-oriented research and studies.

  • Establishing data-bases specialized in Arab NGOs.

  • Publishing a periodical newsletter “Al Mezalla” (The Umbrella) intended at exchange of knowledge and information concerning voluntary work and at favoring cooperation and coordination among Arab NGOs.

  • Organizing conferences and workshops for exchange of information.

Establishment of the Network:

  • The establishment of the Arab Network for NGOs in 1997 is based on a recommendation issued by the 2nd Conference of Arab NGOs (Cairo, May 1997).  The recommendation reflects the tendency of participants to activate cooperation and networking among Arab NGOs on the one hand, and to strengthen the capacity building of these organizations on the other hand.

  •  The Arab Network for NGOs is a new institutional formula that follows the existence of the Follow-Up Committee for Arab NGOs operating from 1989 to 1997 in the domain of building cooperation among the Arab voluntary sector.

  • The General Founding Conference of the Network (Beirut, 23-25 April 2002) was held to launch the organization, adopt the By-Laws, and hold the General Assembly meeting.

Structure of the Network:

  • The Network is directed by a Board of Trustees elected by Arab NGOs and presided by HRH Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz.  The Board is entitled to propose the general policies and implementing strategies.

  • The General Assembly includes all members of the Network that have adopted the By-Laws and comply with the criteria of eligibility stipulated in the By-Laws.