The Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Future has concluded its seventh meeting in Geneva today. The two-day meeting focused on discussing various issues relevant to the Foundation’s continued commitment to promoting human rights, democracy and good governance through providing financial and technical support to the BMENA-based civil society organizations.

Following the welcome speech made by Chairperson of the Board Dr. Rahma Bourqia, the Vice-Chairman of the board Dr. Cornelio Sommaruga expressed his disappointment from the results of the latest referendum in Switzerland that prohibits the construction of minarets in the country. He also pointed out that the referendum resulted in introducing discriminatory article to the Swiss constitution: “I have to accept the people decision, but I also have the right to protest against the new law because it touches the human rights”, Dr. Sommaruga said.

Members of the board expressed their warm welcome to the four new members who bring with them valuable experience in different fields related to the work and mission of the Foundation. The new four members are: Chief Judge Robert H. Henry from the US, Dr. Parvez Hassan from Pakistan, Ms. Sabine Gürtner from Germany and Dr. Abdul Hassan Buhussain from Bahrain.

Moreover, the members have decided for “the Honorary Membership” as new article to the bylaws of the Foundation which is granted to former Board members who substantially contributed to the development and the work of the Foundation. Dr. Anwar Ibrahim from Malaysia and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor from the US  former board members were unanimously granted the Honorary Membership for their outstanding support to the Foundation.

In her capacity as the President of the Foundation Ms. Nabila Hamza presented the 2009 report on the activities carried out by the Foundation, achievements and challenges faced by the Foundation. Furthermore, Ms. Hamza presented the strategic directions of the Foundation for the three coming year, which was endorsed by the Board members with a view to strengthen the Foundation’s position as a relevant and reliable partner to the CSOs in the region.

On the grants-making operation side, members noted with approval the remarkable increase of the work of the Foundation. Following their evaluation of the short listed projects submitted during 2009, member of the Board pre-selected 20 possible projects in favor of CSOs in the BMENA. The projects have been submitted by CSOs based in Palestine, Yemen, Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq Kuwait, Jordan, Libya and UAE. The projects cover various issues linked to legal aid, women empowerment, gender, citizen’s participation, local governance, media freedom, human rights advocacy, electoral reform, accountability and anti- corruption. Another project is aiming to contribute to improve social and cultural development through providing impartial and credible news and information to all citizens. The final decision will be announced at the end of January 2010, after the meeting of the Grant Committee.