Suggestions for Changes in Thematic Priorities for the Dutch ALF Network – for Discussion at our Network Meeting on November 25th in The Hague
During the network meeting on March 13, we discussed the thematic priorities for our Dutch network. The Greater Middle East Platform processed members’ input and submitted three texts with thematic priorities to the ALF Secretariat on March 27, 2024:
🔗 Thematic Priority 1: Decolonization
🔗 Thematic Priority 2: Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations
🔗 Thematic Priority 3: Shrinking Civic Space
Our proposal is to replace “Decolonization” with “Peace Building.”
See this note for the rationale behind this change.
Additionally, we will be discussing further details for the three themes, including which network members could be involved, expanding our network, and necessary funding.
If you are interested in receiving the full texts of the thematic priorities formulated in March, please write to us. Naturally, we plan to post the thematic priorities on our Dutch network site after the November 25 meeting: www.annalindh.nl.
The proposed changes to the English text have been discussed with the Secretariat in Alexandria; however, it is ultimately up to the members to decide whether these proposals should be accepted, require further adjustments, or anything else.
Summary for decision making on November 25
- The Thematic priority Decolonization lacks opportunities for financial support andcarries the risk of getting stuck in conflicting narratives in relation to the origins ofthe Israel-Hamas war that escalated to many other parts of the region. Thesedevelopments motivated the Arab-West Foundation to propose replace the thematicpriority Decolonization by the thematic priority Peace Building.
- We need to create an overview of local initiatives promoting dialogue, includinggovernmental programs. Network members would grately help the network if youcan inform us about local initiatives. Can these network members contact localinitiatives and inform the national network about this? Our work should be acollaboral effort.
- Network members are asked to inform us about funding opportunities for activitiesin line with our thematic priorities.
Excerpts of the Thematic Priorities that were adopted in March 2024 with comments ofthe Arab-West Foundation.
In this document we provide excerpts from the three documents we received from the Grote Midden-Oosten Platform and added comments and questions of the Arab-West Foundation.
October 30, 2024
Koen Vliegenthart, Kees Hulsman, and Romana Moussa,
Arab-West Foundation