The continuous growth of NDC’s governance structure ensures a vibrant process of self-regulation.
On Saturday 12th of May, the NGO Development Center’s General Assembly held its annual meeting at NDC’s main office in Al Ram and were joined by Gaza-based members via video link. NDC Chairman, Zahi Khouri, welcomed eight new members to the assembly – Dr. Varsen Aghabekian, Aziz Mahmoud Mustafa Al A’sa, Khaled Zakaria Jabr, Suhail Sharif Kishawi, Khalil Abu Shammala, Constantine Su’ad Dabbagh, Nora Shawish and Dr. Riyad Al Zanoun. NDC’s new General Assembly now totals thirty one members.
The General Assembly encompasses members of the four main NGO networks in Palestine – namely, the Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO), the Union of Charitable Societies, the Palestinian National Institute for NGOs and the General Palestinian Union for NGOs in Gaza. Indeed, it is the only governance body to unite these four representative bodies. The General Assembly also includes members of the academia, the private sector and NGO experts.
Saturday’s meeting was a crucial milestone in NDC’s year. Not only did the assembly approve the annual report and PricewaterhouseCoopers’ external audit report from 2011, the plan and budget for 2012 were also officially ratified and the external financial auditor selected for the period 2012-2013 (Ernst & Young).
Ghassan Kasabreh, is delighted that NDC’s governance process continues to evolve and provide a greater representation of Palestinian society:
“The General Assembly meeting is an essential part of NDC’s governance structure. The contribution of so many experienced members of civil society, the private sector and academia is fundamental to the organizational wisdom of the NGO Development Center.”
As NDC continues to manage the Palestinian NGO IV Project (PNGO IV) and the Human Rights and Good Governance Secretariat, all layers of NDC’s governance structure will ensure the successful implementation of vital development initiatives. NDC is the largest Palestinian organization of its kind working hand-in-hand with Palestinian NGOs and community development organizations to improve the delivery of services to the poor and marginalized, and build a more capable and responsive Palestinian NGO sector. In 2012, we look forward to continuing this relentless push towards an ever-more streamlined, integrated and accountable development process.
The NGO Development Center – For Palestinians, By Palestinians.
