Organization `s history, background and mission
MIFTAH’s Vision
The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy, MIFTAH, is a non-governmental non-partisan Jerusalem-based institution dedicated to fostering democracy and good governance within the Palestinian society through promoting public accountability, transparency, the free flow of information and ideas, and the challenging of stereotyping at home and abroad. Established in December 1998, with Hanan Ashrawi as its Secretary-General, MIFTAH’s aim is to serve as a Palestinian platform for global dialogue and cooperation guided by the principles of democracy, human rights, gender equity, and participatory governance. To this end, MIFTAH undertakes the pro-active generation and presentation of policy proposals and the focused dissemination of reliable information. Since its establishment, MIFTAH has established the cogency of its positions in Palestine and in the region, and has formulated long and short-term policies and strategies to deal with particular pressing issues. Through networking with like-minded organizations locally, regionally and internationally, and with Palestinian expatriate communities, MIFTAH has forged lasting relationships and partnerships in pursuit of a common vision of dialogue and democracy.
MIFTAH’s Objectives
• Reinforcing the Palestinian state-building process through ensuring democratic practices, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
• Promoting the free access and flow of information.
• Empowering Palestinian women and youth leaders in different fields and promoting the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
• Providing a forum for innovative public discourse and free debate on issues of Palestinian concern, bringing together decision-makers and members of civil society.
• Increasing global awareness and knowledge of Palestinian realities by providing reliable, accurate and comprehensive information, policy analysis, strategic briefings and position papers.
• Complementing and solidifying international efforts pertaining to cooperation and conflict-resolution based on genuine understanding of the facts, the issues at stake, and the implications of foreign policy decisions on national, regional and global realities.