News

At a sustainability conference on December 13, 2011, Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan, and Palestinian Water Minister Dr. Shaddad Attili agreed that continued cooperation is crucial to solving the region's water issues. While the discussion was tense at times, each highlighted the need for reworking the Joint Water Committee, which was established in 1995, but was intended to be temporary.

Alexandra Toma, executive director of the Connect U.S. Fund, was recognized as one of the top 99 most influential international professionals under the age of 33 by Diplomatic Courier, A Global Affairs Magazine. In the interview, Toma talks about the importance of stronger collaboration for more effective foreign policy.

The John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement at the American University in Cairo and Innovations in Civic Participation have released a report identifying the youth-led actions that culminated in the January 2011 revolution in Egypt. The report, Youth Activism and Public Space in Egypt, includes profiles of three youth-led organizations, and analysis of the roles of social media and public art.

RBF grantee, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc. (CSIS) has published an analysis paper encouraging external institutions and government agencies to support a stronger public policy environment in the Middle East. CSIS's Middle East Program recommends that donors nurture the development of young leaders and the region's public policy environment by committing to long-term, sustained investments.

In March 2011, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund’s board of trustees approved the new direction of the Peacebuilding program (formerly known as Peace and Security). This paper served as the foundation for the program’s new framework and funding guidelines, and was the basis of discussion at the March 2011 board meeting.

Ariadne Papagapitos, program officer of the RBF's Peacebuilding program, reveals how the the revised guidelines came about, and discusses the future of the program's grantmaking.

An article about the uprising in Syria, commissioned by RBF grantee Meedan, has been published by Time Magazine. Since 2005, Meedan has been working to build tolerance and understanding between Web users in the United States and the Middle East by translating and sharing media and conversations on its Web site. The RBF has provided general support as well as funds to help Meedan increase its capacity in the Middle East.

The Peacebuilding program guidelines are now available. Formerly known as Peace and Security, the Peacebuilding program is grounded in the theme of conflict transformation. The revised program aims to identify opportunities to support innovative and collaborative approaches to conflict prevention, management, and transformation; strengthen constituencies and political will for durable peace; and explore solutions to emerging transnational threats.

Stephen Heintz joins the Steering Committee of Partners for a New Beginning, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established to advance "renewed engagement with Muslims around the world based on mutual respect and responsibility.”

RBF grantee, the Abraham Path Initiative, Inc. is featured in The Guardian, as travel writer Kevin Rushby documents his five-day hike along the Path of Abraham. The Abraham Path Initiative seeks to promote understanding among followers of the Abrahamic faiths.