15 December 2009 - With the aim of introducing the Foundation and providing briefing on its mission and activities throughout the region for strengthening Human Rights and democracy initiatives, President of the Foundation For the Future Ms. Nabila Hamza and Board member Dr. Kamel Abu Jaber had audience with Her Majesty Queen Rania.

Mrs. Hamza gave a comprehensive briefing on the several projects the Foundation is supporting in the region and the number of conferences and meetings that are annually organized to either break the silence around issues that are considered sensitive or controversial, or shed light on new related subjects. She gave few examples of the activities the Foundation has supported in Jordan, with more details on the regional conference organized recently on the role of civil society in the security sector governance in the Arab region, and the project initiated by the Jordan River Foundation for strengthening local capacity to address domestic violence in Jordan, which has been largely funded by the Foundation. This project adopts a holistic approach, addressing the need for a standardized system for quality assurance and accreditation of service providers for the prevention and protection for victims of domestic violence. The project also seeks to build the capacity of stakeholders that partake in the provision of family protection services.

While the Foundation’s delegation briefed HM on its next year’s plans, Dr. Kamel Abu Jaber approached the Queen to patronize a major regional conference on women trafficking the Foundation will be organizing with the Global Alliance Against Traffic in women with the possibility of involving HM’s office in the preparations.

From her side, HM Queen Rania praised the work of the Foundation in Jordan and elsewhere especially those activities that aim at women’s rights and building their capacities.

Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation for the Future has established a sound institutional and operational footing through its operational seat in Jordan. Moreover, the Foundation has been operating in 15 MENA countries (including Pakistan) and granting 57 projects, amounting to a total of $11.4 million. Grants were allocated to projects which are focused on enhancing human rights, democratic governance, civic education and women’s empowerment.

Members of the Foundation’s delegation who attended the meeting included: Dr,Kamel Abu Jaber (Board Member and Treasurer),Nabila Hamza (President), Francesco Rosa (Chief of Operations) and Hassan Shawareb (Fundraising and Networking Senior Officer)