June 29, 2010, the Governments of Norway and the Netherlands signed a
funding agreement with AMAN Coalition (Transparency Palestine) at AMAN’s
headquarters in Ramallah.
Under the terms of this agreement, both governments will contribute
1.9 million USD to support the implementation of AMAN’s core program
phase IV, "Enhancing values of integrity, principles of transparency
and systems of accountability in the Palestinian society”. Duration
of this phase is three years (2010-2013). It is worth noting that the
Governments of Norway and the Netherlands have been the funders of
AMAN’s program since 2004.
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi–AMAN’s Board chairperson signed the agreement on
behalf of AMAN, while Mr. Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford--Head of Mission
of the Representative Office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the
Palestinian Authority signed it on behalf of the Government of the
Netherlands, and Mr. Espen Lindbæck, Counselor at the Norwegian
Representative Office, signed it on behalf of the Norwegian Government.
AMAN’s fourth phase program was designed on the basis of AMAN’s
strategic reviews recommendations, AMAN’s reports and studies carried
out during the third phase of the program, as well as lessons learned
from past phases.
“The work of the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) is
extremely important since it boils down to a seemingly simple truism
that at the foundation of any meaningful, sustainable development lays a
contract of confidence between a government, the authorities and its
citizens” said Mr. Jack Twiss Quarels van Ufford head of Mission of the
Netherlands Representative Office.
The program, phase IV, will capitalize on achievements made by AMAN such
as, endorsing and promoting the national plan for enhancing transparency
and integrity in the work of Palestinian institutions, which was
initiated and prepared by AMAN and PNA representatives in 2008-2009.
Additionally, the program will target vital sectors and institutions
like the private sector, oversight & monitoring institutions, and local
councils. AMAN will contribute in instilling values of integrity and
accountability as well as a resistance to corruption among PNA
officials. Furthermore, AMAN will continue public
awareness activities to create responsible and accountable citizens.
The program also includes a set of complementary activities initiated in
previous phases, which include strengthening the role of civil society
organizations in monitoring public sector performance, granting
integrity awards, preparing and publishing several studies and reports
on the subject including the annual corruption report, in addition to
implementing several campaigns to enhance the culture of whistle
blowing.
“AMAN’s uniqueness lies in its integrated approach to combating all
forms of corruption in all sectors, in its proactive and preventive
approach, and in the fact that it is an authentic, home-grown
Palestinian initiative that seeks to create built-in systems of
accountability and integrity from within,” explained Dr. Hanan Ashrawi,
chairperson of AMAN’s Board of Directors.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of AMAN’s General Assembly
and Board of Directors, civil society representatives and PNA officials
in addition to media representatives. On the donors’ part, the ceremony
was attended by Ms. Meena Syed, Second Secretary at the Norwegian
Representative Office and Mr. Ziad Sharia, Senior Policy Advisor at the
Netherlands Representative Office.
While AMAN will continue its efforts to secure the remaining funds
needed for the implementation of the program phase IV, AMAN would like
to express its thanks and appreciation to the Governments and peoples of
Norway and the Netherlands for their continued support of the
Palestinian people and AMAN
