UAE participants in Arab League's launch of Arab charter on civil society organisations

CAIRO, 22nd February 2016 (WAM) --- The UAE participated in a meeting held today at the Arab League to launch a 10-year Arab charter on civil society organisations.

Launched in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, the charter is aimed at creating a favourable environment for Arab civil society organisations to enable them to play a role in development alongside Arab governments.

The UAE was represented at the meeting by Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Deputy Permanent Representative to the Arab League.

In a speech, Secretary General of the Arab League, Nabil Al-Arabi, stressed that the charter was important in light of the expanding role of civil society in development in Arab countries in recent years. He said the charter will help Arab civil society in implementing the Millennium Development Goals beyond 2015.

He noted that civil society complements the role of governments and the private sector in a partnership that serves the interests of Arab citizens.

According to the United Nations, civil society is the "third sector" of society, along with government and business. It comprises civil society organisations and non-governmental organizations. The UN recognises the importance of partnering with civil society, because it advances the UN ideals, and helps support its work.

WAM/MMYS