About 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. We hope to achiever two goals: mobilize our audience to develop and prosper into a regional hub of a dynamic community of academics, practitioners, policymakers, and members of the general public; working with our audience to explore traditional and innovative forms of associational life and advance realistic solutions to overcome obstacles to effective civil society and citizenship in the Arab world.
In addition, AAV aims to encourage a discussion, a thoughts exchange space. We hope to achiever two goals: mobilize our audience to develop and prosper into a regional hub of a dynamic community of academics, practitioners, policymakers, and members of the general public; working with our audience to explore traditional and innovative forms of associational life and advance realistic solutions to overcome obstacles to effective civil society and citizenship in the Arab world.
AboutThe Asfari Institute
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. |
MissionThe Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship will serve as the regional hub of a dynamic community of academics, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, 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: • Support freedom of thought and expression; • Provide a neutral space for dialogue; • Foster tolerance and respect for the diversity of Arab cultures and perspectives; • Seek to interpret civil society and citizenship broadly and inclusively; and • Remain responsive to emerging needs and trends. |
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. |
