Casablanca - 2/11/2009 – Funded by Foundation for the Future, the Regional Resource Center for civil society in MENA region (Tamkeen) was launched in Casablanca; a partnership project between Hassan II University in Mohammedia/ Casablanca, and a consortium of 3 NGOs: Bayti, the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women and the citizenship Forum. The center aims to build the capacity of civil society organizations in BMENA, and to strengthen their capabilities in the areas of project management, advocacy, coalition-building and other related fields, and disseminating lessons and experiences learned at the university's various educational and research levels, to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences among academics, students, professionals and activists.

In a speech delivered by Dr. Rahma Bourquia the president of Hassan II University in Mohammedia / Casablanca during the opening session, she emphasized that the core function of universities should not be limited to configuration and production of knowledge, and should also include providing service for the society, confronting its strategic concerns and getting involved with other activities and efforts of reform and development.

Ms Nabila Hamza the president of (FFF) noted in her opening speech that "This initiative holds particular importance for two reasons: the urgent need to building the capacities of civil society organizations in BMENA,  highlighted  by various reports on the work increase of the  civil society throughout the Arab region; while Ms. Hamza pointed out that the other important reason of this project is building bridges and creating channels of  communication and partnership between the university and civil society organizations, enlightened through the  partnership of Hassan II University at Mohammedia with the three NGOs.

During the meeting discussions focused on determining the center goals, issues, targeted groups, methodology of implementation, mechanisms of networking and partnership between civil society organizations and relevant institutions in order to improve the quality of performance of BMENA civil society organizations, and to activate their role in the reform process.