BFD receives a delegation from the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue
Manama – Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue:
Mr. Suhail Bin Ghazi Algosaibi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue, received a delegation from the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue.
The delegation included Dr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Albediwi, who manages the Center in the Eastern Province and Mr. Yousef Saad Aldukhiel, who is in charge of the Department of Program Development. Mr. Abbas Hamada, the executive secretary also attended the meeting.
After welcoming the delegation, Mr. Algosaibi overviewed the activities and programs of the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue and presented its future challenges and plans.
He briefed the visiting delegation on the 18-month training program launched by the Foundation in cooperation with Search for Common Ground to train a number of Bahrainis in inculcating a culture of peace and dialogue.
Dr. Khalid Albediwi introduced the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue and its objectives. He also outlined the missions the Center undertakes to develop a culture of coexistence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He went on detailing “Naseej”, the latest program launched by the Center aimed at enhancing the culture of coexistence through community-based initiatives.
The two parties have agreed in principle to consolidate the cooperation between Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue and the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue. This agreement includes exchanging the experiments and experiences to achieve the common objectives.
BFD, in cooperation with SFCG, trains 20 Bahraini trainers on dialogue facilitation
Manama – Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue:
The second session of ‘Train the Trainers’ course, organized by the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue in collaboration with Search for Common Ground (SFCG), was concluded on Saturday, 18th March 2017.
The four-day session, which focused on facilitating the community dialogue, was presented by Mr. Shoqi Maktari, the international trainer and the head of SFCG’s Yemen Office. Twenty Bahraini male and female trainers attended the session.
The second session was intended for the trainers who had successfully completed the first one titled “Designing the process of community dialogue.”
Mr. Maktari emphasized that dialogue facilitation is an integral part of the process of designing the dialogue. He pointed out that the role of the facilitator is very important and sensitive, and becomes relevant mainly during the dialogue session, while the designer’s role begins before the dialogue and continues throughout its course. Moreover, it is the designer who selects the facilitator.
At the end of the program, Mr. Suhail bin Ghazi Algosaibi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Mr. Shoqi Maktari for his efforts in training the Bahraini trainers at the first and second training sessions. He also thanked the Bahraini trainers who participated in the session for their diligence and perseverance.
The training course focuses on developing young potential to support and maintain civil dialogue to make national initiatives more effective.
The third and final session of the training program will be held later this year.
Launch of the Peace Enhancement Training Program
Manama – Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue – BFD:
The first phase of the joint training program organized by Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue was launched last Friday, in partnership with the organization of Search for Common Ground.
This training course consists of three parts; each course lasts 4 training days, presented by Search for Common Ground designated training experts. 20 male and female Bahraini trainers are registered as part of this ambitious program.
At the start of the program, Mr. Amin Al Arrayed, Vice Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue expressed his pleasure with the high number of applicants that had registered to participate in the program, remarking: “the program is in line with the principles and objectives of the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue, and is considered one our most important projects.”
Al Arrayed added: “we aim to highlight the values of social peace and civil dialogue in Bahraini society”, noting that Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue is committed to supporting and improving communication between the different segments of society in a bid to foster respect and understanding. He further commented: “working on enhancing civil dialogue and participation improves and develops social bonds and contributes to building a coherent and constructive social and civil system, and will undoubtedly improve the prospects of peace and coexistence.”
Al Arrayed confirmed that “Youth are the key factor in this process, their active involvement should lead to enhanced social initiatives, spread of civil culture and humanitarian values.”
The first training period commenced under the title: “designing civil dialogue”, presented by International trainer Shoqi Maktary, Search for Common Ground Yemen office Manager. Maktary discussed the program’s objectives and criteria, and introduced civil dialogue as a gathering of participants of various backgrounds, enabling information and perspective exchange, and developing solutions for crucial issues from different societies.
The first training course is expected to end on Monday, while the second is to follow on Wednesday evening until 18th of March.
Bahrain foundation of Dialogue announced earlier signing an agreement with Search for Common Ground on the launch of this program. It is anticipated to extend over 18 months, and tackle civil dialogue designing and planning, fundamentals of peace and dialogue, with an outcome of qualified and proactive Bahraini youth, in addition to a number of civil dialogue experts.
BFD Hosting the UN Refugee Agency’s Regional Office Delegation
Manama – Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue
The Chairman of the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue Mr. Suhail Algosaibi welcomed Mr. Khaled Khalifa, the Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the GCC countries, accompanied by Mrs. Amal Alamri the Associate Private Sector Partnerships Officer. The meeting held last Sunday was also attended by Mr. Abbas Hamada, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation.
Mr. Algosaibi explained the Foundation’s activities, principles, objectives and future plans with the visiting Delegation, assuring that the Foundation aspires to see Bahrain as a role model of coexistence to be looked up to.
On the other hand, the Delegation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) presented a brief summary about the Agency, its objectives, achievements and scope of work. The Delegation also discussed the refugees and immigrants situation in the Arab Region, where 39% of the international immigration movement takes place. The Agency’s efforts in aiding these immigrants were then displayed in gratitude to the efforts of the GCC countries’ in providing the immigrants’ basic needs.
Finally, the Delegation expressed their admiration of the principles adopted by the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue, and extended their utmost support to the Foundation’s major endeavors in holding a considerable number of qualitative events in this regard, hoping to share this experience with other countries.
The two parties further assured their readiness for mutual cooperation in relative issues.
Manama Dialogue 2016 Concludes its Sessions
Manama – Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue:
The Chairman of The Board of Trustees of The Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue, Mr. Suhail Ghazi Algosaibi, praised the outcome and the quality of sessions of the Manama Dialogue 2016 organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) . Mr. Algosaibi also highlighted the importance of this periodical forum which is an international event and a central platform for decision makers hailing from all around the globe.
Mr. Algosaibi also congratulated the cornerstones of the Manama Dialogue, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, on the success of the Manama Dialogue 2016. Mr. Algosaibi said: “Hosting such a high level diplomatic event in the Kingdom fills Bahrainis with immense pride. This forum is a huge indicator of Bahrain’s important diplomatic position and its fruitful relations with international partners in the Dialogue.”
Mr. Algosaibi termed the Dialogue as “a very significant diplomatic event”, and elaborated: “The dialogue provides an ideal venue for top leaders to discuss regionally and globally important topics from Middle Eastern perspectives. This platform also showcases the region’s realities and experiences.”
The Dialogue discussed major issues like the stability in the Middle East, cooperation in setting general policies, combating terrorism and enforcing regional and international security.
“The analyses and perspectives projected in the Dialogue reflected its substantial contribution in the field of international strategic and security studies,” Algosaibi commented. He also expressed confidence that the future editions of the Dialogue will consider topics like the importance of education, mutual dialogue and international cultural exchange, and also encourage youth participation in the dialogue.
‘Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue’ partners with ‘Search for Common Ground’ to Launch Youth Training Program
Manama – BFD:
The Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue, in strategic partnership with Search For Common Ground (SFCG), will launch a training program in 2017 for 50 young Bahrainis on sustaining the culture of peace and dialogue.
The agreement was signed by the Foundation’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Suhail Ghazi Algosaibi and Abou El Mahssine Fas- Fihri, SFCG’s MENA Regional Director.
Mr. Algosaibi stated in a press release that the training program will be unique and run for a period of 18 months. It will equip participants to plan and execute civil discourse on peace and dialogue. He also expressed confidence that this program will produce a generation of competent social activists and a good number of civil dialogue training experts.
Mr. Algosaibi termed the relationship between the two entities as strategic partnership. “The SFCG delegation visited Bahrain to finalize the training program and to sign the strategic partnership agreement.” The two partners will work together, committed to spreading the culture of civil discourse and human values, thus setting ground for Bahrain’s youth to participate in civil matters effectively and positively.
“The program will focus on human development among Bahrainis and intend to encourage a youth-led civil discourse embracing effective national initiatives,” Algosaibi said. The program will commence with training 15 Bahraini trainers of both genders in the first quarter of 2017. The participants will be prepared to join the elite group of international trainers in the field and they will, in turn, train the participants of the program’s next stage. The Foundation will begin enrolling and selecting participants early next year.
A Memorandum of Understanding was previously signed between the two organizations in November 2013. They have conducted a number of programs and training courses in the Kingdom of Bahrain on various topics like dispute resolution, non-violent and healthy communication, mediation techniques, leadership strategies facilitation skills, etc.
Search for Common Ground is an international foundation, headquartered in Washington DC and Brussels. SFCG is one of the oldest dispute settlement organizations established in 1982 and operating in 49 countries.
Algosaibi Congratulates the Success of the Governmental, Assuring its value in Governmental work
Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Foundation for the Dialogue, Mr. Suhail Ghazi Algosaibi, praised the convening of the first Governmental Forum, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, emphasizing the contribution of such forums, being a significant and pioneering initiative, to the improvement, growth and accomplishment of Governmental work and integration between various parties.
Algosaibi introduced the forum as a vital opportunity to create an optimal positive environment that embraces, in addition to Government personnel, all citizens, where the Government vision, developmental projects and performance standards are openly shared within the frame presented by the Forum’s Senior Officials.
He then praised the essence the speech of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the deputy Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Defense Force, in which his highness enclosed valuable purports as guidelines for the Governmental work in its upcoming stages, correlating them with the national achievements in the light of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. Algosaibi also cherished His Highness’s call for the enhancement of Governmental services, the development of legislative and regulatory frameworks and the facilitation of all Governmental procedures, alongside with providing a high quality infrastructure.
Expressing his utmost appreciation, and congratulating His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister on the major success of the Governmental Forum 2016 and the momentum it has earned, Algosaibi hoped for a periodical reunion to cultivate the vision that leverage the Governmental strategy. He advised the recourse of studies and researches to unify the vision in order to overcome challenges, and the corroboration of cooperation and integration values between different Governmental sectors. He also stressed the dedication of periodical assessment principles of the Governmental performance and the implication of monitoring and optimal utilization of resources. Algosaibi then mentioned the importance of guaranteeing the coordination between the pace of plans and programmes and the Economic Vision and the Government criteria, and assuring the principles of sustainability, justice and competitiveness as pillars of development.
Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue” Announces New Identity in the fourth Anniversary
Celebrating its fourth anniversary, Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse (BFRCD) announced its new identity, renamed as the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue.
And in this occasion, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue Mr. Suhail Ghazi Algosaibi expressed his delight and pride in the achievements of the foundation in the past years, assuring that it was able to pave itself a path that crosses all villages and towns of Bahrain, spreading the values in which they believe, and defending the community’s need to send out love and reassure cooperation and coexistence.
Algosaibi explained that the new identity was brought forth by the Board of Trustees’ desire to abbreviate the previous name into an easier-to-remember form, and expand the work scope in the foundation to cover different areas of dialogues; based on the belief that dialogue is the most successful strategic option for building healthy and well-developed societies, and to advance the wheel of cultivation and stability.
He then pointed out that the declaration of the new name comes in conjunction with the Holy month of Ramadan, and the values and delicate sentiments it is carried with, and the positive effects it implies through social communication, visits and gatherings, which spread around the country.
Algosaibi also mentioned that Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue commences its Ramadan gatherings on Wednesday evening of every week, in the house of the deceased Dr. Ghazi bin Abdulrahman Algosaibi in Hamala, welcoming and embracing all the guests. He seizes this opportunity to raise his utmost congratulations to their Highnesses the King, Prime Minister and Crown Prince, and to all of the people in Bahrain, on the occasion of Holy month of Ramadan, wishing it avails more harmony and closeness between the various components of the Bahraini society.
Algosaibi finally reported that the foundation is currently finalizing its program for the upcoming stage, adding that the foundation will organize a ceremony later this year to launch the new identity officially, and to present a report of the foundation’s achievements in the past four years, in addition to announcing its plan for 2017.
“BFRCD” holds “From Conflict to Dialogue” workshop
BFRCD concluded on Saturday evening “From Conflict to Dialogue” workshop, which was organized by the foundation, and presented by the American expert Dr. J’ Lein Liese for the fourth consecutive year.
Dr. Liese looked over mechanisms that lead to a healthy civil discourse, methods of resolving conflicts through a meaningful community discourse, and standards that need to be obeyed by various parties. Notably, 35 people; a number of Bahrainis and some Non-Bahraini residents, participated for two consecutive days in the workshop.
Dr. Liese highlighted the need of reinforcing the ethics of civil discourse, listening to dissenting opinions in order to create a positive environment in human communities that encourages integration, cooperation and social compatibility, and to contribute in the maintenance of social security and civil peace.
The US expert also presented to the participants a number of models from different countries regarding the conflict and discourse in order to realize experiments of nations and learn from them. Formerly, the participants were distributed into groups to carry out a number of practical exercises and activities, amid a remarkable interaction, lively atmosphere and constructive discussion.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse, Mr. Suhail Bin Ghazi Algosaibi and the international expert Dr. J’ Lein Liese, presented certificates of attendance to the participants. Then, Mr. Algosaibi presented a commemorative shield to the American expert.
Mr. Algosaibi expressed his thanks and appreciation to Dr. Liese for the wonderful presentation of the workshop, thanking at the same time young Bahrainis who participated actively in this event, valuing the importance of contents addressed by the workshop and the results came out, stressing that Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse is determined to rearrange such scientific and training events that serves the Kingdom of Bahrain and the public, particularly the youth.
Algosaibi added that the Foundation has been working hard, since its start, to contribute efficiently in community development on the basis of the detection of its responsibility towards society, which stems from love for the homeland.
On the other hand, Dr. J’ Lein Liese expressed her thanks to BFRCD for the leading initiative of devoting the culture of dialogue and coexistence in society, stimulating Bahraini youth skills which qualifies the society to take advantage of the maximum capacities of its members, expressing at the same time her admiration by what the Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved regarding higher human development, and the remarkable model of co-existence and prosperity it has represented over the years.
It is noteworthy that the workshop which was held at the “Suisse Bell” hotel on Friday and Saturday on a 10 training hour basis, was attended by 35 participants, both Bahrainis and Non-Bahraini residents. This workshop is held for the fourth year in a row.
BFRCD (Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse) visits His Excellency Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
A delegation from the Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse (BFRCD) visited on Monday morning 11th January, 2016, HE Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in his office at the Supreme Council building.
The delegation included Mr. Suhail bin Ghazi Al-Gosaibi Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Mr. Amin Al Arrayed Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ms. Nour Al Haji Member of the Board of Trustees, and Mr. Abbas Hamada, executive secretary of the foundation.
The delegation explained briefly to His Excellency the most important programs and projects which will be undertaken by the foundation in the next phase, and the general goals of the foundation, and on top of that is the sovereignty of affection and harmony among people. His Excellency alluded to those goals and projects, and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Foundation to educate the community of the necessary sovereignty of coexistence among all. He confirmed his full support to all what that would serve the country and the people.
Furthermore, HE urges the foundation to enhance its activities in regard to youth in order to protect them from exploitation and factional and sectarian incitement, stressing that affection and coexistence are of the noble values advocated by Islam and urged by the Prophet, all Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him, his family and his companions.
HE stressed that the imminent challenges, destructive ideologies and exotic behaviors impose on all of us to encourage the dissemination of coexistence culture, by which community cohesion and unity of its people increase. His Excellency pointed out that upholding the goodness, morality and construction values are the best way to protect our society from extremism, neurological and terrorism.
On the other hand, Mr. Suhail bin Ghazi Al-Gosaibi Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa for the meeting. He expressed his happiness for what is covered of important topics in the meeting, valuing at the same time guidance and advice of HE that the Foundation delegation listened to.
Mr. Al Gosaibi also praised the important role that the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs plays in this regard, expressing his hope in constant communication with the Council, which is considered as a unique model in establishing co-existence and joint action.