The Arab Thought Forum (Al Multaqa or ATF), was established in Jerusalem in 1977 as an independent Palestinian institution. ATF initially focused on scientific studies and research, now it serves more as a “think tank” dedicated to identifying critical issues for analysis and public debate in order to influence the development of the Palestinian people and nation. Thus the main thrust of ATF’s work became to influence and shape the thinking of policy makers through creating good links with the Palestinian National Authority and with Palestinian intellectuals.
ATF’s mission is to promote awareness of Palestinian development needs by influencing the Palestinian public discourse on issues of societal development. The Forum’s major programmes center around:
- democratic process and nation building
- promoting development awareness
- the future of Jerusalem
ATF activities are designed to serve its programmes, and objectives. These activities include:
- organising conferences and symposia on a range of issues related to civil society and the democratic process
- holding discussions about different issues of public interest through the different dialogues and brain storming sessions
- publishing the outcomes of meetings in ATF’s periodical journals and newsletter
- publishing and reviewing public policy matters proposed or decided by local and national government
- printing and distributing literature about elected representatives and institutions
- involving “opposition” parties in the democratic process to avoid their retreat into cynicism or resistance to the democratic process
- operating the Citizens’ Rights Center to directly support the citizens’ democratic rights in the event of conflict with local or national government.
The Forum’s website gives detailed information about its background, programmes, activities, and future vision. The website also provides links to: ATF quarterly Journal of Shu’un Tanmawiyyeh (Development Affairs), ATF newsletter, and the Citizens Right Center, which is ATF’s link between the citizens and the authority.