The Center for Environmental and Social Development demonstrates a commitment to social justice through investigative journalism and human rights implementation. We strive to bring democratic change to the Middle East and North Africa. Emerging from a range of fields including philanthropy, political science, law, human rights, and medicine, we embrace collaboration in order to support peaceful and stable democratic movements across the MENA Region. Our efforts contribute to the foundation’s mission of creating a new culture in the region which is mainly based on the values of citizenship, democracy, and coexistence.

Article II: Vision, Mission, and Objectives

Section 1: Vision

Helping to create a culture that is based on the values of citizenship, democracy, peace, and coexistence in the MENA region.

Section 2: Mission

CESD supports development towards peaceful relations between various parties in the Middle East and North Africa, in order to create a culture in the region that is based on the values of citizenship, democracy, peace, and coexistence.

Section 3: Objectives

Activate the role of civil communities in the MENA region.
Provide training for human rights activists, investigative journalists, and citizen journalists.
Work towards promoting a peaceful resolution to the civil war in Syria.
Prepare human rights and advocacy reports for civil activists and governmental organizations.
Support and promote gender equality in the Middle East
Permanently seek sustainable development along with local and regional enhancement
Provide training in the fields of governance, social and cultural rights, women’s and children’s rights, gender equality, and sustainability.
Coordinate between international non-profit organizations and civil society activists
Create an information bank to provide students and researchers with the latest activities and data.
Join activists in global and public movements that are aimed towards equality and social justice.
Encouraging climate protection and supporting renewable energy projects

Article III: Legal Status and Governance

Section 1: Legal Status

CESD is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization base on NY, registered on 7/13/2015.

Under the laws of the United States 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 47-4833759. It operates as a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

At the time of establishment, the organization’s headquarters were located: 324 87 St, Apt1, Brooklyn, NY, 11209.

In 2020, the organization’s headquarters moved to the following address: 423 84 St, Apt1, Brooklyn, NY, 11209.

Website: www.cesdworld.org

Email: info@cesdworld.org

Section 2: Governance Structure

a. Board of Trustees:

The governance of CESD shall be overseen by a Board of Trustees consisting of no fewer than five and no more than fifteen members.
Each member has the right to vote on any controversial issue requiring a vote, with one vote per member.
Board members shall serve up to two six-year terms.
The executive director is entitled to be a member of the organization’s board of trustees.
The Board of Trustees holds an annual meeting to review tax records, ensure compliance of the executive office, including financial expenses, transparency standards, and the achievement of organizational goals in implemented projects. Additionally, partnerships with organizations and alliances are also examined.
The meeting can be conducted either physically at the organization’s headquarters or virtually through social communication platforms such as Zoom.
The Board of Trustees determines the priority of direction and action each year regarding projects and target groups.
The Board of Trustees assists in providing support and financing for projects that are being worked on through their communications and public relations.

b. Executive Committee:

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of CESD and shall consist of members elected by the Board of Trustees.
The executive office has the right to request an urgent meeting of the Board of Directors to address emergency situations, such as arbitration regarding a significant issue related to membership or goals, or the death of a member.
The organization’s executive office hires a private accounting firm to ensure transparency and oversight of donations and expenditures.
The executive office manages donation campaigns in line with the organization’s goals.
The executive office oversees project proposals according to the board of trustees’ directives.
The executive office has the authority to appoint project volunteers without consulting the board of trustees.
The executive office is authorized to hire employees who are committed to ethical standards aligned with the organization’s goals.

Article IV: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

Membership in CESD is open to individuals who support the organization’s mission and objectives.

Section 2: Rights and Responsibilities

Members shall have the right to participate in general meetings, elect the Board of Trustees, and voice their opinions on organizational matters.

Members shall uphold the principles and values of CESD and actively contribute to its mission.

Membership Requirements in the Board of Trustees

To be eligible for membership, the individual must be known for their integrity and not have a criminal record from a country that respects human rights in its constitution.

The member should believe in the legitimacy of human rights, principles of peace, and coexistence among nations.

The member should believe in the organization’s objectives and respect democratic decision-making in any voting on its projects.

The member should hold at least a master’s degree from a recognized university or have authored multiple books.
Alternatively, the member could have a background in diplomacy or be a successful businessperson with a good reputation within the media institutions.
Another option is for the member to be a journalist with a track record of publishing more than fifty articles or producing fifty documented reports.
Lastly, the member could have received an international award.

Article V: Amendments to the Constitution

This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Trustees. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to all trustees at least 30 days before the vote.

Article VI: Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations that share similar goals and objectives, as determined by the Board of Trustees.