1. Mission and Purpose
The Levant and Iraq Forum (LIF) is a collaborative network of think tanks and research institutions across the Levant and Iraq. It aims to promote peace, prosperity, and resilience through regional cooperation on research, dialogue, and policy innovation. LIF facilitates joint projects, publications, and events that reflect shared values and local insights.
2. Organisational Structure
a) The Consortium’s Assembly
The LIF Consortium is composed of all member think tanks, and meets at least once per year, in person or virtually. Those in attendance will approve, by simple majority, strategic directions, endorses collaborative initiatives, and reviews network-wide progress.
b) Rotating Regional Coordinator
- A lead coordinating think tank from one of the participating countries will serve as the LIF coordinator for a term of 12-24 months. This role will rotate to ensure shared leadership and equal ownership.
- Oversees coordination of network-wide activities and represents LIF in regional and international fora.
- Ensures continuity and facilitates communication across national groups.
c) National Coordinators (One per Country)
Each country within the LIF region will designate one national coordinator to help convene local discussions, facilitate in-country project partnerships, and liaise with the regional coordinator.
d) Project Clusters (Project-Based Collaboration)
Any two or more LIF members—whether within a country or across borders—can jointly initiate projects, apply for grants, host events, and co-publish research under the LIF brand. All members are autonomous, but collaborative activities should be labelled as LIF initiatives.
3. Operating Principles
All member organisations commit to the following:
- Voluntary and Flexible Participation: Members engage at their own pace and capacity.
- Autonomy with Solidarity: Each member is autonomous but committed to collective visibility, mutual support, and knowledge exchange.
- Brand and Fundraising Support: All members should actively promote the LIF brand and assist others in accessing funding, even if they are not direct beneficiaries.
- Labelling and Recognition: Activities may be labelled as “An LIF Initiative” where collaboration, learning, or solidarity with other members is demonstrated.
4. Activities and Meetings
The LIF will convene at least once a year, using existing regional or international conferences when feasible, or by securing sponsorship for standalone meetings. Meetings will focus on policy priorities, project development, and strategies for expanding and sustaining the network.
5. Shared Platforms
Each member organisation should maintain a dedicated page or link on its institutional website to the LIF, enhancing visibility, showcasing joint work, and sharing opportunities.
Other forms of shared online platform (e.g., website or newsletter) will further serve as a central space for publishing collaborative outputs, promoting events, and facilitating resource-sharing.
6. Membership and Expansion
Membership of the LIF is open to think tanks and research institutions in the Levant and Iraq aligned with LIF’s mission. Existing members are encouraged to nominate new participants and expand the network’s reach. New members are admitted by recommendations from two or more existing members and broad consensus.
7. Honorary Membership
Honorary Members may include international foundations, research institutes, universities, philanthropic bodies, or other organisations based outside the Levant and Iraq that contribute significantly to the LIF’s success, through financial support, strategic advice, collaborative projects or capacity-building. Honorary members add value, offer global perspectives, and strengthen the LIF’s credibility and reach.