The Arab Thought Forum (ATF) is an independent non-profit Palestinian institution established 33 years ago as an important platform for identifying and addressing critical issues of importance to the Palestinian people through analysis, research and public debate. ATF has since its inception succeeded in developing systems and procedures to influence and shape opinions of policy makers in Palestin
e and has opened and maintained strong lines of communication with the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), political parties and Palestinian intellectuals and citizens. The bulk of its activities are directed at increasing citizen participation, lobbying for change and advocating citizen concerns. Throughout its projects and activities, specific public and civil society groups were targeted to induce positive change, spanning the executive authority, the national and local government and institutions, and civil society including political parties, non-governmental institutions, and trade unions. ATF concentrated on developing awareness activities and connecting conceptual issues to tangible and operational processes. In particular, ATF’s contributions covered a range of issues related to electoral and democratic reform. In 2009-2010, ATF has conducted over fifty meetings, seminars, workshops and public debates on issues associated with its mandate of raising the public awareness on democratic development and increasing public participation. Particular attention was paid to enhancing the capacity of Palestinian institutions on election issues and raising public awareness on electoral processes and procedures. It has also organized a conference on the separation of powers and awareness-raising on different issues including: the rights of citizens in Jerusalem, celebration of Jerusalem; the Capital of Arab Culture 2009 including organizing an international conference. ATF's civil society participation component included public debates, round table and working group meetings, in addition to tens of coordination meetings and contacts that discussed issues of concern. ATF with its extensive experience in democratic reform and political participation as one of the few civil society organizations with credibility with decision-makers and the public alike, understands the need to regularly examine its strategic direction to ensure harmony with environmental changes and community needs .
