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Dubai: Civil society leaders agreed on Wednesday that reform in the Arab world is a necessity, rather than a luxury.
Reform is the 'key' to the progress of human, civil society, and there is no specific peaceful transfer to democracy in any Arab country. Although the Arab world runs many anti-corruption campaigns, the supply side of corruption needs to be addressed.
These announcements were highlighted on Wednesday, on the first day of the fifth Forum for the Future.
Hosted by the UAE National Organising Committee for Civil Society, and organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the forum is being held from October 15 to 17 in Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi from October 18 to 19.
Lack of co-ordination when gauging democratic progress was also cited as a main factor for non-achievement.
Tunisian writer Slaheddine Jourchi said: "What is required is to reply to the question: have we really achieved any progress in the field of democratic reforms in the Arab world? There are many indices to take into account: freedom of press and expression; respect of the law; independence of the judiciary system; and clarity of elections. There is some disparity between Arab countries in the implementation of these indices. Some are heading forward and some are lingering behind, so we cannot measure it. We notice some progress for democracy, but it is fragile.
"What are the challenges in Arab countries? It is a region of occupation, plagued by the ghost of war and armed conflict. Without the lowest level of human rights, democracy will be an empty frame," he said.
Drawing civil society professionals from around Europe and the Middle East and North Africa region, the forum comprises thematic sessions and workshops, including a focus on progress in democratic reform, the role of civil society, the current legal environment for civil society and the necessary co-operation between governments, the private sector and civil society.
"Civil society relies on law, democracy and works through professional mechanisms. These are the important elements for good government. Our concern is to work to remove barriers, be they legislative or legal, or controversial concepts that might hinder the flow of crucial blood to this [civil society] artery, which will allow more oxygen to enter the hearts and minds of the people," Taher Masri, Civil Society Commissioner, Arab League, said.
The role of the private sector in furthering the progress of civil society was also highlighted; specifically in its supportive role forming part of the triangle between civil society and government.
Addressing corruption from all angles was also a general focus of the forum.
"We have anti-corruption campaigns throughout the Arab world, but always from the demand side of the bribe. We usually don't address the supply side of corruption. This needs to be addressed. Who will protect small businesses from the supply-side of corruption?" Abdul Wahab Al Kibsi, a guest speaker from Washington, said.
In a session on the role of civil society, participants discussed the hurdles faced by Arab civil society organisations. There was heavy criticism of the complacency of civil society in some Arab states, with some audience members questioning what such forums achieve if there is no follow up process.
Nabila Hamza, from the Amman-based Future Foundation, said the foundation was testament of the successes of such forums. "Unlike other forums dealing with reform in the Arab world, this forum has engaged civil society and given it a voice in the Arab reform process," she said.
The problem with Arab civil society, she noted, was that "all the faces are the same". "We don't see any new and young faces, and that highlights the urgency of educating and informing our youth about civil society and democracy," she said.
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