The NGO Sector Strategic Framework for 2013-2017 will be based on broad and deep consultation with all stakeholders.
On Monday 11th of June, the NGO Development Center and the four Palestinian NGO umbrella networks (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) hosted a consultation workshop with representatives of international donors and organizations. The aim of this forum for dialogue was to engage donors in the formulation of a new five year NGO Strategic Framework for 2013-2017.
Three consultants (based internationally, in Gaza and the West Bank respectively) have been tasked with preparing a strategic framework which reflects the vision and expertise of the NGO community. At this stage, NDC and the networks are meeting with international representatives and the private sector to ensure that any strategic document takes into account the concerns and positive input of these important social actors. A series of workshops, focus groups and forums with individual beneficiaries, NGOs and academia have already been completed. The theme of this process of preparation is participation.
Ghassan Kasabreh, NDC Director, welcomed the guests with a brief description of NDC’s role as an NGO mechanism specializing in the provision of grants, technical assistance and capacity building, and sector development initiatives. Khalil Nijem, the West Bank consultant for the NGO Sector Strategic Framework, then delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the focus of the framework, the research methodology, and the importance of a participatory approach to the development of this strategic document.
Following these opening remarks, a constructive and positive discussion investigated areas such as monitoring and evaluation within the strategic framework, the importance of NGO cooperation and focus on the most marginalized geographical areas in the oPt. Ghassan Kasabreh was keen to emphasize the importance of dialogue in producing the most nuanced and functional NGO Sector Strategic Framework possible.
Expected to be completed by Autumn 2012, these consultation workshops will integrate the know-how of the sector and insight of all stakeholders in the first strategic framework whose steering committee comprises all four NGO umbrella networks. Their presence and contribution to the research and development process ensures the sector’s ownership of the framework, responsibility for its effective implementation and increasing unity of the Palestinian NGO sector.
The NGO Development Center (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 disaffected and build a more capable, responsive Palestinian NGO sector. Our programs and grants empower Palestinians to help Palestinians by providing NGOs with the skills, tools and funds they require to address social needs and promote self-reliance amidst poverty. We advocate greater NGO transparency and accountability through the adoption of professional financial and management practices and promote sector-wide coordination and sharing of best practice experiences.
