The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development
Building minds, reviving hope and renewing our civilizational message
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) was founded in 2008 as ARDD – Legal Aid in Amman, Jordan. In 2012, the new organizational structure was institutionalized, aiming to spearhead an Arab Renaissance initiative that catalyzes the ongoing transformations within the Arab world. ARDD draws inspiration from the pivotal accomplishments and concepts of the Arab Renaissance initiatives and the collective endeavors of individuals striving for democratic governance, progressive development, and social equity.
ARDD implements an array of research and developmental initiatives. These initiatives are strategically designed to engage actively with the Arab reform agenda, promote modernization, and contribute to regional developmental efforts.
While ARDD is primarily based in Jordan, its reach extends well beyond national borders. In alignment with its vision and mission, ARDD’s programs, projects, and research span the MENA region and into Europe. This growing impact is supported by an expanding network of donors, national and international agencies.
To further advance its mission, ARDD operates through a broader institutional framework that includes key affiliates such as the Renaissance Strategic Center in Amman and the Euro-Mena Initiative for Democracy and Development in Brussels—strengthening its ability to promote inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable development across regions.
Our Vision
An Arab World in which all people enjoy fair, inclusive, and sustainable rights and opportunities.
Our Mission
Contributing to forming a new renaissance project in the Arab world, grounded in the fundamental issues concerning Arab affairs, within their local, regional, and international contexts, with independence, authenticity, and decolonization, aiming to realize the aspirations and endeavors of all people living in it, towards democracy, development, and social justice, participating in the Arab reform, modernization, and development agendas, and influencing public policies that shape transformations in the Arab world and its surroundings through a set of development programs, scientific research projects, and applied solutions.
The Renewal of our Civilizational Mission
The Nahda (Arab Renaissance) constituted a process of reform and modernization towards achieving active citizenship, social justice, and state-building. The rhetoric of Nahda centered around freedom, equality, the rule of law and civil rights. Proponents of the Nahda firmly believed that Arab societies themselves have the capacities to achieve development and modernization. To this end, envisaged reforms should encompass all spheres of life, from the social to economic and political domains.
Capitalizing on the insights and achievements of the Nahda, ARDD’s quest is to initiate a debate among Arab societies and all those engaged in change and reform in the Arab world. As a response to current developments in the Arab region characterized by fragmentation, increased divisions within and across countries, and a dramatic decline in the respect of human rights, ARDD has aligned its own objectives with the achievements of the Nahda. ARDD aims at bringing back those who have been disenfranchised to the center of development and reform efforts. Only through their inclusion can a balanced and just social, economic, and political order be achieved.
Donors, Partners and Networks
