The World Engagement Institute (WEI) recognizes the vital role that civil society organizations (nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, community based organizations, etc.) play in the democratic vitality and capacity of a country. This is particularly important and urgent in societies suffering from undemocratic or post conflict fragile situations that need the active and capable participation of organized citizens to claim their rights and contribute to the economic and political development of their countries.
The collaboration with civil society is also vital for academic institutions who need to be engaged and connected and at the service of the social fabric of society. Nonprofit organizations are vital to the well-being of societies and are often an indicator of a healthy economy in local and national financial measurements. Hence, the partnerships and collaborations with third sector, civil society organizations is vital to WEI's mission to develop and build capacity in the areas transitional justice, gender equality and humans security. Even in sector specific and technical programs, our collaboration with the nonprofit sector is often recognized as central to our mission and ultimately to the long term impact of our capacity development programs. Here are some of our civil society partners and nonprofit organizations collaborating in some of our programming or open to the shared responsibility of making the world a better place through accountable, participatory and people-centered democratic, inclusive and just societies. |
Center for Jewish-Arab Economic Development (CJAED)
- The Center for Jewish-Arab Economic
Development (CJAED) is a non-profit organization, established in 1988 by
a group of Jewish and Arab businesspeople. The guiding principle of the
Center and its activities is that Jewish-Arab economic cooperation in
Israel is essential for peace, prosperity and economic stability in
Israel and the region at large. CJAED acts on the premise that Israel's
primary resource is its people; that Israel's strength lies in its
pluralism and democracy, and that the Arab community must be integrated
into the Israeli mainstream economy and society. The Arab community comprises 20% of Israel's c. 7.4 million citizens. Statistics teach that over 45% of Arab families are poor, in contrast to 15% of Jewish families. Whilst none of the Jewish towns in Israel have a higher than average unemployment rate, 46 out of the 47 towns with a higher than average unemployment rate are populated by Arab Israeli citizens and the remaining town is inhabited by a mixed Jewish-Arab community. This figure becomes more acute by looking at figures that show that only 18% of Arab women in Israel are employed, in comparison to 55% of Jewish and other women. Other studies teach that c.54% of employed Arab citizens work in construction and other unskilled labor in comparison to c. 22% of Jewish citizens who are employed in this field. As can be expected, only c. 20% of Arab citizens, in comparison to c. 38% of Jewish citizens are employed in managerial and other high-paying positions. The national and economic security and stability of Israel as well as the health of the Israeli society are contingent upon mutual trust between Jews and Arabs, a trust sorely lacking at present. To this end, CJAED seeks to integrate the Arab community into full partnership in the Israeli economy by both economically empowering this community, as well as promoting Jewish-Arab economic cooperation and joint ventures. CJAED also acts as an umbrella organization initiating the establishment of new local organizations which ultimately become independent and empower the local communities within which they are found. CJAED spearheads a large array of projects and activities in different areas, with each project belonging to one of the following four units: the Business Unit; the Women's Unit; the Joint Jewish-Arab Employment Zone Unit; and the Higher Education Leadership Programs Unit. Each unit is headed by one of the Center's team members, and employs the external services of professionals in the different fields. Read more >>
Centre on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development for the Near East (CARDNE)
- The Regional Centre on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development for the Near East (CARDNE) was established by an initiative of its member states with the aim of applying and implementing the rural development programmes. This aim was defined in recognition of the fact that these programmes would be applicable through identification of national and local needs and regional cooperation. CARDNE targets the rural and pastoral communities and seeks to meet their needs, fulfil their hopes and protect their rights. In 1981 FAO conducted a regional conference in which the attendants agreed on the establishment of a regional centre for this purpose. The centre was launched following a FAO-sponsored meeting held in Rome in 1983, attended by representatives and observers from 18 Near Eastern states, intergovernmental organizations and agencies, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Food Programme (WFP). The agreement entered into force in 1987. CARDNE is an autonomous intergovernmental organization hosted by the government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with offices located in Abdoun area in the Capital Amman. It has ten member states: Jordan, Tunisia, Sudan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Egypt, Mauritania, Morocco, and Palestine as observer. Read more >>
Child Aid Uganda (CHAU)
- Child Aid Uganda (CHAU) is a registered Non- Governmental and nonprofit making organization which was established in 2004 by a group of Ugandan children rights activists and professionals in response to the ever increasing needs of HIV and AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children superseding the available interventions from other NGO’s. Child Aid Uganda was thus established to protect, bring care; love and compassion to enable orphans and other vulnerable children enjoy their rights, live their full potential and achieve a purposeful future. It’s Mission is, “to work with and through individuals, families, communities and local governments to contribute to the fundamental freedoms and basic needs of orphans and other vulnerable children protected by law and internationally recognized as minimum standards for a life of dignity to enable OVCs achieve a purposeful future." Children are thus assisted to live their full potential, shape their own future and contribute to the development of their communities. Child Aid Uganda undertakes activities under seven programme areas namely: Advocacy on children rights and environmental protection; Child health and survival; Housing, water and sanitation improvement; Education support; Poverty reduction at the Household level; Organization development and Capacity building; Research and information; Justification of the Give a Net Save Lives Initiative. The Give a Net Save Lives Initiative fits broadly in the intervention areas for Child Aid Uganda under the thematic area of child health and survival. Activities under this thematic area are geared towards increasing access to preventive and curative services to AIDS orphans, other vulnerable children and their families /households. Accessibility of health services by AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children, young people and caregivers is done through static and health education outreach services, child days and youth clubs. Pregnant mothers and children under five years are also provided with treated long lasting insecticide mosquito nets to protect them from malaria. Through this Initiative Child Aid Uganda gives special attention to children under five years of age and pregnant mothers living with HIV and AIDS. The nets save their lives from mosquito bites protecting them from malaria attacks thus prolonging their life span while on positive living. This pilot initiative will be scaled up to reached out to more people infected and affected by AIDS in future. Read more >>
Halal Research Council (HRC)
- The Halal Research Council (HRC), located in Lahore, Pakistan, is an organization working globally on Halal certifications in order to cater the needs of food and nutrition agencies and side by side non-food agencies especially in the FMCG sectors. The HRC certifies the products under the reverent coordination of recognized Shari'ah Supervisory Board, Highly qualified Food Technologists, Chemical Engineers and R&D professionals in respect of eligibility for Certification through research based methodology scrutinizing the sources of ingredients, examining the entire supply chain, chemical examination and analyzing Shari'ah prospects of ingredients used in the products. As the awareness of Food and Nutrition is rising in the masses so ultimately there is a developing need of such certifications. The Halal Research Council is honored to serve Halal foods and non-food market all over the world. The ingredients used in preparation of the products are usually mentioned clearly on the wrappers/packaging but often their sources are not mentioned with them. As it is legally required and being the first right of the customers, they should be well aware of the items and materials used in the process. Read more >>
Homeland Care Foundation (HCF)
- Homeland Care Foundation (HCF) is a new nonprofit and non-governmental organization founded by group of Somalilanders in the Diaspora. The purpose of the organization is to recruit volunteers and raise money, one dollar at a time, to develop Somaliland and improve people’s lives. HCL is doing this by bringing together various government agencies, Business Corporations, International relief agencies and Local NGO’s. Somalilanders are suffering from long- term drought, natural disasters and conflicts between neighboring countries. The drought alone has caused huge devastation to the country and its people. There are 1000’s of displaced farmers and untold misery and hardship for our people. Added to this is the fact that Somaliland is not recognized by the International Community and consequently is unable to have financial resources to help all the suffering victims. The people’s need is urgent and their plight desperate. Homeland Care Foundation is trying to organize support and financial aid for these people through the Somalilanders in Diaspora. The organization’s board of directors is working with the elders, Ulimas and community leaders to manage fundraising events to help these people. Priority projects are being worked on to try to save the lives of these devastated people. Dams need to be built to capture the rainwater, so that it can be used by farmers. Orphans and children from families living in poverty need to have a safe home so that they can receive shelter and food. The country’s infrastructure needs to be improved by building bridges and roads. Homeland Care Foundation is kindly asking all Somalilanders in the Diaspora to donate only one dollar from the money that they would be sending home to develop their country. In fact, there are thousands of Somalilanders who send money back home on a regular basis. Donating a dollar will improve our people’s lives. Homeland Care Foundation will announce very soon how and when donations will be accepted. Website: Read more >>
The House of Charity - USA
- The House of Charity was founded in 1997. The organization provides high quality donated surgical and medical care to improve the life and health of impoverished children. Since inception, HOC has provided aid to over 175,000 children worldwide. The House of Charity focuses on providing FREE surgical and medical treatment to children suffering with congenital, accident and burn deformities. Teams of medical and surgical health professionals are assembled to travel where children and young adults are treated free of charge. Our programs include providing free medical and surgical care as well as the training of local doctors and nurses, and supplying necessary medical equipment to charitable hospitals. In extreme cases, if the treatment is not possible in the host country, we bring the child to The House of Charity Healing Home in Houston for specialized medical care. The House of Charity performs surgeries each year in six developing countries around the globe. Our humanitarian efforts are recognized by US Congress and Senate. We have received numerous awards including “Tamghe Imtaiz” by Pakistan Government and “Angle Community Award” by El-Salvador Government. Read more >>
Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)
- The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) is a
non-profit Islamic organization dedicated to promoting halal food and the
institution of halal. IFANCA is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and
maintains several offices around the United States. It also has representatives in
Canada, Europe, China, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, and Singapore.
IFANCA-certified halal products are in nearly every major country of the
world and cover all food-industry categories. IFANCA certifies halal food products in over 50 countries around the globe. IFANCA-certified halal products are sold in nearly every major country of the world. IFANCA certifies halal products in all food and consumable product categories, as well as vaccines and pharmaceuticals. IFANCA also certifies halal cosmetics, packaging materials, and sanitation chemicals.
IFANCA has been recognized and endorsed by the following religious and governmental organizations: Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM); Central Islamic Committee office of Thailand; Majelis Ulama Indonesia (M.U.I.); Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (M.U.I.S.); Muslim World League, Saudi Arabia; USDA/FSIS International Programs; United Arab Emirates (GSM); IFANCA is a founding and sustaining member of the World Halal Council. Read more >>
National Strategy Forum (NSF)
- The National Strategy Forum (NSF) is a Chicago-based non-profit, non-partisan research institute that examines issues and trends affecting US national strategy and security. NSF was founded in 1983 by Morris I. Leibman, a Chicago attorney and advisor to three US presidents. For more than 25 years, NSF has taken the lead on a variety of cutting-edge strategic issues including US homeland security and defense, global counter terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, cyber warfare, and emergency preparedness for a catastrophic incident. NSF activities include a speaker series, a journal review, conference, programs and blog with weekly updates on national security issues and analysis. NSF seeks genuine peace with freedom and justice in common cause with a community of free and independent nations. Its objectives include the advancement and preservation of democracy, as essential elements to promote human rights, inspire principled cultural achievement, and maximize economic development. NSF contributes to an informed public opinion and an enduring non-partisan consensus for maintaining a viable security structure in a democratic society. Read more >>
Pakistan Strategy Forum (PSF)
- The Pakistan Strategy Forum (PSF) is a non-partisan and non-governmental organization which focuses on contemporary public policy issues of interest to the public, private and civil society. The main objective of this forum is to provide a platform for informed discussion and debate of current issues related to Pakistan and its well being. There is no doubt that Pakistan is one of the most strategically important countries in the world and plays a vital role in the international arena. The founder of Pakistan, Quaid -e- Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah wanted Pakistan to be a modern Islamic state that could set an example for other nations. Pakistan is experiencing a difficult period and faces many challenges such as a weak democracy, lack of good governance, uncertainty, security issues, terrorism and nuclear proliferation. No other nation has suffered more than Pakistan in this recent ongoing fight against terrorism. More than 35,000 civilians and military have been killed by terrorists during the last ten years. The PSF aims to conduct impartial and unbiased research on the current challenges faced by Pakistan and to identify priorities for addressing critical needs. This valuable information sharing with the concerned national and international policy makers can serve to the universal needs for inventing better future. Read more >>
Somalia Strategy Forum (SSF)
- The Somalia Strategy Forum (SSF) is an internationally inclusive, non-profit, non-partisan, and multidisciplinary research institute that examines the myriad complex issues affecting Somali human security and regional strategy. The Somalia Strategy Forum's (SSF) mission is to foster frank, unbiased, and intellectual dialogue; dialogue that will ultimately lead to the enhancement of Somali human dignity, substantially improve internal Somali governance capacity, and vastly advance East African regional security. The Somali Strategy Forum recognizes that Somalia and its citizens – including its international Diaspora - are presented with many challenges. However, the SSF also recognizes that Somalia has many assets with which to address these challenges; most significantly, the will, spirit and intellectual capacity of its people. By harnessing this human capital, by offering pragmatic solutions to complex problems, and by coordinating voluntary coordinated Civil Society responses, SSF serves as a catalyst for sustained social and economic development in Somalia – and abroad. Read more >>
Sustainable Capacity International Institute (SCII-ONLUS)
- The Sustainable Capacity International Institute (SCIInstitute) is an Italian registered non-governmental and nonprofit organization for social benefit (Organizzazione non lucrativa di utilità sociale, ONLUS). The organization has a separate administration but a shared mission and purpose with the WEInstitute. Its projects revolve around international cooperation, development projects and capacity trainings. The mission of the SCIInstitute is to cooperate for the development of institutional and professional capacity in the fields of human rights and sustainable development benefiting nations in economic and political transition. Through a large pool of professionals from academic institutions, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, SCII provides competent assistance for building sustainable capacity in institutions, organizations and leaders engaged in nation building and social human development. Read more >>
Vietnam Lawyer Association (VLA)
- The Vietnam Lawyers’ Association broadens its friendly relation and cooperation with the lawyers organizations in the world and other organizations under the principle of mutual respect of each others’ independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity for the common sake – peace, co – operation and development. The Vietnam Lawyers’ Association is a professional sociopolitical, united organization gathering the voluntary lawyers throughout the country. The Vietnam Lawyers’ Association is member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front under the leadership of the Vietnam Communist Party and the management of the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The Vietnam Lawyers’ Association participates in the international lawyers organizations whose activities conform to its motto and objective. The Vietnam Lawyers’ Association broadens its friendly relation and co- operation with the lawyers organizations in the world and other organizations under the principle of mutual respect of each others’ independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity for the common sake – peace, co – operation and development. The World Engagement Institute has an agreement also with the Journal of Law and Development of the Vietnam Lawyers Association. See Read more here >> and here >>
Zambuling Institute for Human Transformation (ZIHT)
- The Zambuling Institute for Human Transformation (ZIHT) was established in 2005 in Washington DC. The Institute is devoted to mainstreaming spirituality in the domains of economics, business and public policy. The Institute is pursuing the charitable, educational and artistic objectives of promoting and advancing an understanding of the need for human transformation and spirituality in order to bring about peace, justice, equal rights, education, employment, and adequate food, water, natural and environmental resources for all and, therefore, heal the world from illnesses of the body, mind and soul. It focuses on three broad areas leading to human transformation: People’s Forum on Human Rights and Responsibilities, Human Transformation and Human Values, and Spirituality and Public Policy. The Institute is tax-exempt in the US and has an office in Washington DC and one in Lisbon, Portugal. Read more >>