The Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut is a regional hub that bridges academia and activism in the Arab world. It provides resources, knowledge, and spaces for civil society actors, scholars, students, practitioners, as well as policymakers to connect and collaborate on issues related to social movements and activism, citizenship, with a strong emphasis on the universality of human rights, gender equality, intersectionality, and social justice.
Background
Established in 2012 with support from the Asfari Foundation and its founder, AUB Trustee Ayman Asfari, the Asfari Institute was born during a time of significant social and political change in the Arab world. As people across the region were striving for freedom, dignity, and better livelihoods, new voices and innovative forms of collective action began to emerge. This period saw a surge in local policy debates and creative solutions to address political, economic, and social challenges.
The Asfari Institute was envisioned as a regional hub to support and strengthen the civil society ecosystem in the Arab region. It aims to enhance the production and sharing of knowledge, create safe spaces for discussion and learning, and foster networking and collaboration.
Located at the American University of Beirut campus in the Ayman and Sawsan Asfari Building, the institute serves as a unique space that is accessible and conducive for connecting civil society with scholars, students, practitioners, as well as policymakers and other stakeholders.
Mission
To serve as a solid regional knowledge and convening hub for civil society in the Arab region that promotes notions of citizenship.
Vision
Dynamic civil society in the Arab region where individuals enjoy their full rights and freedoms, and are empowered to understand and exercise their role as rights holders.
Objectives
The Institute seeks to achieve its mission through:
Knowledge
Production
Advocacy
& Lobbying
Convenings
& Events
Capacity Building
Strategic Plan (2025-2030)
The Asfari Institute engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning exercise to outline its vision, mission, and priorities for the next five years (2025-2030). This process builds on its successes and lessons learned while adapting to emerging challenges in the region. The plan aims to position the Institute as a leading hub for civil society actors, fostering innovative solutions to advance good governance, human rights, and active citizenship across the Arab region.
Annual Reports
2024 Impact Report
Our impact report outlines our work across the Arab region throughout the year 2024, highlighting key achievements in research, capacity building, and advocacy amid deepening crises, with a focus on care work, civil society resilience, and feminist foreign policy.
Previous Reports
Check out our previous impact and annual reports below.
