GNQP/ARDD Facilitate Publication of Albanese’s Genocide Reports with Pluto Press
Amman – September 2025 A new book, “A Moon Will Rise from the Darkness”, compiles United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese’s indispensable and damning reports on Israel’s conduct in Palestine since October 2023. In these reports, Albanese outlines the case that this period should be understood as a genocide, situates the ongoing violence within the longer history of Israel’s settler colonialism, and presents a devastating indictment against the international corporations that treat mass killing and destruction as a business opportunity. The volume also includes a reflection by Albanese on the current state of affairs; revelations by her predecessors Richard Falk, John Dugard, and Michael Lynk of their experiences as UN Special Rapporteurs; and a preface by Lex Takkenberg, a 30-year veteran of UNRWA, co-authored with scholar Mandy Turner. The book’s title is a variation on a line from a poem by the Palestinian national poet Mahmoud Darwish, serving as a metaphor for hope and strength even in the darkest of times. Its cover features the painting “Children of Gaza Dreaming of Peace” by Malak Mattar, a Palestinian artist from Gaza. The publication was made possible through the efforts of the Global Network on the Question of Palestine (GNQP), at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD). With the support of Mandy Turner, GNQP member and Director of the Kenyon Institute in Jerusalem, and Richard Falk, GNQP member and former UN Special Rapporteur, the initiative was realized in collaboration with Pluto Press, a leading independent publisher known since 1969 for amplifying progressive voices and supporting marginalized perspectives. Noting that all royalties will be donated to the UNRWA, GNQP and ARDD call on advocates, institutions, and individuals committed to justice and freedom of expression to share this publication widely and pre-order copies. Order here: Click here
ARDD and Comenius Leadership Group Continue Exchange on Leadership in the Arab Region
On September 17, 2025, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy & Development (ARDD) hosted a seminar for the Comenius Leadership group from the Netherlands, held as part of the Comenius Course on Diversity of Leadership. This seminar built on previous exchanges and collaborations between ARDD and Comenius. The program featured a lecture by Dr. Mariam Abu Samra, Coordinator of the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), and a session led by Zina Darwish, Senior Program Development Officer at ARDD. Discussions with participants explored themes such as resilience, governance from decolonial perspectives, and women in leadership, offering space for mutual learning and reflection on leadership in the Arab region.
Season’s Market: Experts Highlight the Importance of Supporting Markets to Strengthen Livelihoods
Popular markets in Jordan are among the most vital economic and social spaces, connecting local communities while generating job opportunities and promoting economic empowerment for diverse groups, including refugees. In the face of mounting economic challenges, investing in and supporting these markets has become critical to advancing sustainable livelihoods and creating inclusive employment opportunities. Against this backdrop, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) organized a panel discussion on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Jara Market – Tajalla Association in Jabal Amman, as part of the Summer Bazaar and the wider Season’s Market initiatives. The discussion, held under the title “Popular Markets in Jordan: Toward a Sustainable Economic Model – Challenges and Opportunities”, brought together experts and researchers concerned with issues of the local economy and social development. The session, which explored the current state, challenges, and opportunities for developing popular markets, is part of an ongoing study by ARDD’s Renaissance Strategic Center. The study aims to strengthen these markets in Jordan and provide practical recommendations to support their role in creating inclusive and sustainable livelihoods for both Jordanians and refugees. The panel featured contributions from researcher and writer Dr. Kamal Mirza and journalist and researcher on poverty, development, and society Dr. Ahmad Abu Khalil, with researcher Khaled Jumaa from the Renaissance Strategic Center moderating the discussion. Dr. Mirza emphasized: “Popular markets are social and cultural spaces that reflect the identity of local communities, while also generating job opportunities and empowering marginalized groups. Supporting them should go beyond infrastructure to include legislation and policies that encourage innovation and sustainability.” Dr. Abu Khalil added: “Popular markets have a long history of social and cultural exchange. They are a mirror of people’s daily experiences and ways of life. Developing these markets requires a deep understanding of vendors’ needs and behaviors, and genuine dialogue between government, the private sector, and civil society to develop sustainable, practical solutions. This is essential to enabling markets to create real livelihood opportunities for local communities, including refugees, and integrate them into the local economy.” Participants in the discussion highlighted the need for a clear definition and criteria for popular markets, whether through official recognition or flexible, community-based frameworks. They stressed that these markets often emerge as grassroots initiatives responding to local needs and should be recognized not only as sources of income but also as cultural and heritage spaces that preserve community identity. The dialogue also underscored the importance of organizing markets through participatory approaches that engage all stakeholders—including the private sector—to ensure sustainability. Speakers emphasized that decision-making about popular markets must strike a balance between the vision of local communities and the perspectives of policymakers. They noted that planning and managing these markets is inherently complex, encompassing not only economic aspects but also social, developmental, security, and integrated urban planning dimensions. Alongside the discussion, the Summer Bazaar—organized under the project “Future Forward: Unlocking Sustainable Local Opportunities”, with support from the EU Regional Development and Protection Programme for Lebanon and Jordan—offered a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs to present their creative ideas to a diverse audience, including local communities, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations. The Bazaar showcased a wide variety of handmade products, ranging from artworks, accessories, clothing, and organic soap to homemade food. It celebrated the creativity of both Jordanians and refugees and featured entertainment activities for children of all ages. Vendors also gained valuable opportunities to network with associations, marketing platforms, and new clients, strengthening the sustainability of their businesses in the local market. The event drew a large audience, with participants who had undergone training to enhance their market access and networking skills expressing their appreciation for such initiatives. As one participant noted: “The Bazaar was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our products, build partnerships, and collaborate with new outlets such as antique and handicraft shops. It boosted our confidence and encouraged us to expand our projects.” Looking ahead, the Season’s Market will continue next winter with a new range bazaars. ARDD and the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF) reaffirmed the importance of exploring local livelihood opportunities, supporting startups in Jordan, and promoting sustainable economic initiatives.
Renaissance Strategic Center Signs Two MoUs with the University of Turin and CIEE Amman
September 2025 – The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), through its Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): one with the Università degli Studi di Torino (UniTo) and another with CIEE INC Amman. These agreements establish a framework for cooperation in the areas of research, knowledge exchange, and capacity development, with a particular focus on advancing the RSC Internship Program. The partnerships are designed to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and policy research platforms, contributing to both educational advancement and the production of innovative research. Through these MoUs, students and researchers from UniTo and CIEE will have the opportunity to participate in structured internships at RSC. The program will provide exposure to policy-oriented research and civic engagement initiatives, while also enabling interns to enhance their knowledge of the region and contribute to the Center’s ongoing projects. These partnerships, underscore ARDD/RSC, UniTo, and CIEE’s shared commitment to fostering academic-practice linkages, enhancing knowledge production, and supporting the development of the next generation of scholars and practitioners.
ARDD Hosts Training on Global Diplomacy Strategies and Local Realities
As part of its ongoing partnership with Independent Diplomat, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) hosted a specialized training aimed at strengthening the diplomatic tools of organizations working in Jordan and linking global perspectives with local realities. The training brought together staff from Tahfeez Association and ARDD, the official partners of Independent Diplomat in Jordan, alongside representatives of diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, trainers, volunteers, and refugees. The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delivered opening remarks, adding valuable insights on diplomacy to the discussions. Focusing on the history of refugee rights in Jordan, the program combined theoretical sessions with practical workshops designed to build effective strategies for engaging decision-makers and amplifying the voices of local organizations in global policy arenas. The training also drew on Jordan’s extensive experience with UNHCR, providing a unique perspective on connecting international frameworks with national policies. Community leaders shared their reflections on the experience. Samia, representing the Sudanese community in Jordan, said: “The training gave me the opportunity to use my personal experience in shaping effective diplomatic messages and linking local issues to the international scene.” Mohammed, a leader from the Yemeni community, added: “I gained practical skills to engage with decision-makers. I now feel that our voices can truly influence policy.” This initiative is part of a series of trainings that will continue throughout the coming year, aimed at empowering organizations working on refugee and humanitarian issues to strengthen their advocacy tools, highlight shared challenges with host communities, and engage international audiences. By doing so, ARDD and its partners seek to advance justice and fairness in global policies on asylum and displacement.
Empowering Each Other in Its Eighth Phase: 400 Women and Girls Strengthen Their Capacities to Drive Change in Their Communities
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in partnership with UN Women and with support from international donors, has concluded the first phase of trainings under the Oasis Program, held from 3 to 27 August 2025. The trainings spanned 18 centers across 11 governorates, engaging around 400 women and girls. The sessions were led by a distinguished group of experts, including Dr. Haifa Haidar and trainer Imad Abu Saleh. Participants in the specialized trainings on civic engagement and leadership, organized under the “Empowering Each Other” project, noted: “These intensive trainings gave us the tools and confidence to become more involved in our communities and contribute to change, while highlighting the importance of continuing such initiatives to reach more women across different governorates.” The Empowering Each Other project aims to equip women and girls with the knowledge and skills to become trainers in civic engagement and social protection within their governorates, while also fostering awareness and participation among both women and men. The trainings covered several key areas, including civic engagement, social protection, leadership skills, public speaking, psychosocial support, and the prevention of violence against women and girls. These efforts align with ARDD’s mission to strengthen the leadership role of women and girls in society and encourage their active involvement in community initiatives and decision-making. ARDD Program Director Eng. Zainab Al-Khalil emphasized that the trainings provide women, including those with disabilities, with the tools and confidence needed to become effective leaders capable of driving real change in their communities. She also noted that future plans aim to reach even more women in the coming months. Reflecting on her experience, Doaa from Aqaba said: “The training enhanced our leadership role and opened our eyes to the importance of supporting each other as women in society.” Amal Suleiman from Karak added: “The training boosted my confidence in active participation, expanded my understanding of rights, leadership skills, and positive influence. It was a turning point in my awareness of my role as an active woman and opened new horizons for understanding the tools of change.” Roweida Al-Zoubi from Balqa shared: “From the very beginning, I benefited greatly from the training. Every lecture was excellent—none like yours.” Meanwhile, Ilham Eid Al-Muhairat from Amman reflected: “The training touched me in a special way. I felt it opened new doors in my life… This type of training is not only useful, but necessary.” Reem Ahmad Al-Ananzeh from Jerash highlighted how the training enriched her communication and creative thinking skills, stressing the importance of community initiatives in influencing decision-makers. Similarly, Bushra, Malak, and Rawan from Bani Hashem villages in Zarqa emphasized: “The training course was comprehensive and motivating, encouraging us to engage in community work. We now have the confidence to assert our presence. Hand in hand, we shape decisions and create change.” In conclusion, all centers witnessed strong engagement from participants, many of whom expressed a sense of value and belonging. They also learned how to identify and analyze community issues and link them to real-life contexts, while fostering collaboration and teamwork. Participants stressed the importance of women’s participation in community life, strengthening their leadership roles, and setting an example in sharing responsibilities within both family and society. They further underscored the need to continue such trainings to broaden the scope of empowerment and positive impact for women and girls across all Jordanian governorates, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and just society.
ARDD Holds Dialogue Session on the New National E-Invoicing System
In line with the global shift toward digital transformation, the Jordanian government launched the National E-Invoicing System, which became mandatory in April 2025. The system, officially issued in 2022 under tax legislation, aims to digitize invoices to ensure accurate documentation of transactions, improve tax collection, and curb tax evasion. It represents a key step toward a sustainable digital economy, requiring close cooperation between the government and all sectors for successful implementation. In this context, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) held a dialogue session on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, as part of the New Generation project, focusing on the new National E-Invoicing System. The session brought together associations from the Coordination of Youth Institutions and the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF) to shed light on the system’s mechanisms and respond to questions from civil society organizations regarding its application. The session featured remarks by Ayman Khawaldeh, Director of the Invoicing Directorate at the Income and Sales Tax Department, with the discussion moderated by Rami Quwaider, Legal Advisor at ARDD. Khawaldeh outlined the main features of the system, emphasizing its flexibility, which enables taxpayers to join easily and without additional costs. He highlighted that the system helps speed up tax procedures, facilitates access to tax clearance certificates, and enhances transparency and trust between taxpayers and the authority. He explained that invoices are issued and stored electronically within a regulated system that meets invoicing and monitoring requirements, noting that registration is available through the department’s website using the taxpayer’s tax number and password. Khawaldeh stressed that the invoicing system is no longer just a digital platform, but a reform tool that reshapes the relationship between the state and citizens on the basis of transparency, accountability, and tax justice. The Income and Sales Tax Department first launched the system in late 2022, marking the start of companies joining the national invoicing network. Earlier this year, the legislative framework for the second phase was adopted, expanding application to local purchases of taxable goods and services through official invoices. Participants underscored the importance of regular evaluation to address potential loopholes, broadening the system to include more sectors, and ensuring it is supported by a balanced legislative framework that imposes penalties on violators without burdening compliant taxpayers. They also emphasized the importance of law enforcement in strengthening trust and transparency, and called for continued efforts to raise awareness of the invoicing system, particularly in the governorates and among nonprofit organizations, including civil society groups. The New Generation project seeks to strengthen partnerships between youth civil society organizations and encourage collective youth action through creative approaches that amplify young people’s voices and enhance their participation in the public sphere.
ARDD holds a Digital Symposium on Participatory Governance in the Arab Region
The Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), as part of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), facilitated an engaging virtual discussion titled “Reimagining Participatory Governance in the Arab Region: Local Practices and Comparative Lessons from Karenni State.” The webinar aimed at advancing a new understanding of governance in the complex, challenging context of the Arab world, where prolonged conflicts, fragile institutions, and declining public trust have highlighted the limits of top-down approaches to civic engagement. In response, localized and participatory approaches—emphasizing civic trust, inclusion of youth and women, and proximity networks linking state and society—are increasingly viewed as essential to rebuilding legitimacy and resilience across the region. Against this backdrop, the case of Karenni State in Myanmar offered a powerful comparative lens: its locally driven governance structures, emerging amid conflict and institutional collapse, provide valuable lessons on decentralization, accountability, and community-based legitimacy that resonate with Arab contexts of fragmentation and transition. The RSC convened four esteemed panelists to reflect on these themes across two sessions, connecting regional governance debates with global comparative insights.The RSC brought four esteemed panelists together to discuss local governance frameworks within their country specialty across two sessions. The speakers for Session I, titled “Governance from Below in Conflict-Affected Settings – the Karenni State Experience,” included Khun Bedu, Vice-Chairperson of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council, and Khaldoon Bakahail, Senior Strategic Advisory at the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and former Yemeni Deputy Minister for Internal Administration. The speakers for Session II, titled “Conceptualizing Governance in the Arab Region – Challenges, Alternatives, and Emerging Models,” included Mohanad Adnan, Executive Director of Roya Development Group Iraq, and Deema Abu Thiab, Head of Country Programme: UN Habitat Jordan. Session I: Facilitated by Charles Petrie, ARDD Senior Advisor and former UN Assistant Secretary General, commenced the webinar by establishing its key themes. A starting premise is that when strong, central, many times oppressive, regimes collapse, the spaces vacated allow local governance structures to emerge. Attempting to try to reestablish a central authority – very much a Westphalian approach to governance – becomes almost impossible in the short to medium term. The examples of Somalia, Central African Republic, Libya, Yemen and Myanmar being among the demonstrations of this reality. There is thus a need to acknowledge the existence of these local governance structures and understand the contribution they can make in re-establishing a functioning State. Khun Bedu presented his unique experience in Karenni and their bottom-up federalism framework which prioritizes institution building, decentralizing power to local administrations, and improving local trust through transparency and accountability of the administrative structures. Khaldoon Bakahail expanded and applied these notions to the context of Yemen, explaining how fragmentation, and the essence of conflict itself, has laid the groundwork for local stabilization initiatives, and advocacy toward a more representative and federalist structure. The session then opened the floor for audience participation. Issues that were raised included climate change, food insecurity, and the role of external assistance. To the query of the role of external assistance, Bedu outlined Karenni’s attempt to establish a regional multi-donor trust fund. Bakahail strongly advocated for the international community to not intervene in Yemeni’s political power-sharing negotiations. Instead, the focus should be turned towards reviving the federal framework that had been agreed to in the past and that could ensure some levels of stability. Bakahail went on to say that the question of climate change and food insecurity must be addressed with a holistic approach, involving civil society, youth, and women. Local mitigation strategies should be tailored to provide opportunities for climate action. Session II: Facilitated by Mariam Abu Samra, Coordinator at the RSC, expanded the concepts explored in the first session and focused on the governance experiences characterizing differing contexts across the Arab region. Of primary importance was engagement from the ground-up, with emphasis on the participation of youth, the disabled, and women in identifying opportunities. Mohanad Adnan articulated how Iraq, as a country that experienced decades of conflict, has witnessed a power struggle between its federal parliament and its local and provincial councils. The fear that the provincial councils were siphoning too much power from the federal parliament – a conflict of authority – led to the dissolution of provincial councils. Adnan emphasized the role protests played in getting the youth greater recognition from the government, something that women and the disabled have yet to achieve. Deema Abu Thiab brought the discussion to the local Jordanian context, where UN Habitat works to engage citizens in shaping policies that will allow for a better urban future. In connection with Adnan, Abu Thiab explained how creative initiatives, such as the Jabal Amman Neighbourhood Planning project with ARDD, aim to encourage youth participation and the promotion of community-driven planning. When opened to the wider discussion with viewers, Abu Thiab and Adnan both expressed the immediate need for climate action initiatives pertaining to flash flood prevention in Jordan and water treatment mechanisms in Iraq. This discussion brought experienced individuals from a range of contexts together to explore the significance and potential of local governance in addressing the challenges of the Arab region and the world as a whole. Such questions as youth and female participation, as well as the threat of climate change were raised. Contrary to conventional perception, it was argued that conflict can form the necessary foundation for the emergence of viable local governance structures. Accepting this reality and building strategies incorporating local governance can contribute to future stability in the face of a constantly changing world.
ARDD Participates in ABAAD’s Youth Symposium in Lebanon
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) participated in ABAAD’s youth symposium, “Lebanon Through the Eyes of its Youth: From Belonging to Active Citizenship and Shaping the Future.” The two-day event in Lebanon, held as part of the New Generation GenG program, brought together young leaders, policymakers, and experts to amplify youth voices in shaping inclusive and representative policies. Representing ARDD, Leen Masoud, researcher at the Renaissance Strategic Center, joined a high-level panel on youth and social policy engagement, where she shared ARDD’s inclusive, evidence-based approach to policy brief development and stressed the importance of advocacy and cross-community collaboration. ARDD also hosted a booth highlighting results from Generation G policy labs on civic and political participation. On the second day, Masoud co-facilitated a policy lab on equitable employment, guiding participants in drafting proposals on issues such as raising the minimum wage and ensuring fair intern compensation. The symposium concluded with youth presenting their policy recommendations, reaffirming the importance of youth-led, inclusive solutions for Lebanon’s future.
Dialogue Session in Aqaba Explores Facilitating Licensing Procedures for Small Businesses and Startups
As part of advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the localization of humanitarian and development work in the field of livelihoods—efforts developed within the framework of the project “Future Forward: Unlocking Sustainable Local Opportunities”, implemented by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) in cooperation with the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF), and funded by the European Regional Development and Protection Programme in support of Jordan and Lebanon— a group of local associations within the JONAF coalition, namely the Women’s Association of the Disi Basin Villages, the Jordanian National Women’s Committee Network, Durra Al-Manal for Development and Training, and Al-Amal Association for Social Development, held a dialogue session in Aqaba Governorate titled “Facilitating Licensing Procedures for Small Businesses and Startups”, under the patronage of Senator Sharhabeel Madi. The session addressed the challenges faced by small businesses and startups in the licensing process and ways to address them to enhance the empowerment of these projects and support their contribution to achieving sustainable development. It discussed the main legal, procedural, and financial obstacles and presented practical proposals to improve the licensing environment, such as enhancing specialized training, developing marketing methods, and encouraging entrepreneurial and non-traditional projects. Participants also shared their experiences and relationships with donor bodies—particularly the Development and Employment Fund—and discussed ways to overcome obstacles facing business owners. Senator Sharhabeel Madi pointed out that women’s participation in economic activities remains below expectations, at around 13%, stressing that the state seeks to raise and expand this percentage in line with the Economic Modernization Vision. For her part, Qutna Al-Zawaideh, President of the Women’s Association of the Disi Basin Villages, emphasized that women and youth in the south, especially in Aqaba, possess strong determination to develop their projects, but face bureaucratic, financial, and procedural challenges, as well as burdens related to licensing. She noted Jordan’s need for young energy to engage in building and development, aiming for a more equitable local economy that better meets people’s needs. Participants stressed the need to reduce local licensing requirements, as the current regulations place an additional burden on small and medium-sized enterprises, and that easing these procedures would allow projects to focus on developing their work. They also called for lowering taxes and adopting a flexible legal framework that gives projects greater growth opportunities. Regarding the legal framework, participants highlighted the importance of providing practical and tangible government policies that offer necessary incentives, streamline procedures, and establish clear legislation that promotes sustainability and increases job opportunities. They also emphasized the need to study the long-term impact of legislation to support the national economy and encourage investment. Interventions also agreed on the importance of reducing the financial burdens associated with registering small businesses, as high fees and complex registration procedures discourage many from pursuing licensing, limiting these projects’ expansion and transition into the formal sector. At the conclusion of the dialogue session, participants agreed that implementing these recommendations would contribute to launching broader initiatives focused on social enterprises and enabling local organizations to lead advocacy efforts for policies that support community-led, resilient livelihoods—ultimately influencing policy-making and decision-making toward building a strong national economy driven by local capacities.