Active Arab Voices
"Active Arab Voices" (AAV) is The Asfari Institute's window into our knowledge production and civil society engagement. AAV blog is a platform for making the activities of the Asfari Institute more accessible to a broader public of concerned citizens and activists in the Arab region and beyond. It provides grounded analysis, working papers, as well information about events at the Asfari Institute, such as public lectures, panel discussions, book launches, and research workshops. In addition, AAV aims to encourage a discussion, a thoughts exchange space.
The Asfari Institute
for Civil Society and Citizenship
for Civil Society and Citizenship
In November 2012, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB was established and funded by a $10 million grant from the Asfari Foundation, which was founded by Trustee Ayman Asfari.
The Institute has been conceived as a framework that will advance research and other initiatives to support the development of an informed citizenry engaged at all levels of Arab associational life and promote openness, transparency, and accountability in the region. Both the Foundation and AUB recognize that the Arab world is undergoing significant change, and they intend that the work of the Asfari Institute will make a unique and valuable contribution to progress in the region during this era of historic transition and beyond.
The Institute has been conceived as a framework that will advance research and other initiatives to support the development of an informed citizenry engaged at all levels of Arab associational life and promote openness, transparency, and accountability in the region. Both the Foundation and AUB recognize that the Arab world is undergoing significant change, and they intend that the work of the Asfari Institute will make a unique and valuable contribution to progress in the region during this era of historic transition and beyond.
VisionThrough its research, education and activities, the Institute will support the development of an informed and engaged citizenry and of increased openness, transparency, and accountability at all levels of Arab associational life. |
MissionThe Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship will serve as the regional hub of a dynamic community of academics, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, activists, and members of the general public interested in exploring traditional and innovative forms of associational life and in advancing realistic solutions to the obstacles to effective civil society and citizenship in the Arab world. The Institute will encourage evidence-based research; disseminate research findings and policy/practice recommendations; provide education and training for active citizenship and effective civil society; promote awareness of civil society and civic engagement in the region; and stimulate fruitful dialogue among the region’s varied publics. In the conduct of its mission, the Institute will:
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International Advisory Committee
The Advisory Group is chaired by the AUB Provost, and is composed of the Institute’s director, external experts and two representatives of the Asfari Foundation. The Advisory Group’s mandate includes providing advice and feedback on the Institute’s mission and short- and long-term programming. Its membership is currently in formation and the following four are confirmed.
International Advisory Committee Members
International Advisory Committee Members
- Muhamad Harajli - Provost, AUB
- Marieke Bosman - Chief Executive Officer, The Asfari Foundation
- Tamara Alrifai - United Nations
- Sami Ben Gharbia - Nawaat
- Nadia El Cheikh - American University of Beirut
- Hoda ElSadda - Cairo University
- Bassam Haddad - George Mason University
- Islah Jad - Birzeit University
- Baroness Helena Kennedy, QC - House of Lords
- Asma Khadr - Jordanian National Commission for Women
- Tarek Mitri - Issam Fares Institute, AUB
- Mouin Rabbani - Institute for Palestine Studies
- Maha Yahya - Carnegie Middle East Center
