Manama, Oct 19 (BNA) — Under the patronage of the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Fatima Al-Balushi,, the national center for NGO support have organized the fourth conference for NGO societies’ expertise exchange under the theme “Civil Societies’ Funding, Overview of Alternatives” in the period of 18-19 October 2014 at Rami Grand Hotel – Seef branch.

The Minister told Bahrain News Agency (BNA) that the conference discussed a vital theme that interests civil societies’ workers, saying that the issue of funding is related to long term investment, sustainability and the ability of self-funding.

She added that the conference merged local and foreign expertise to have a more comprehensive vision that would allow introducing more alternatives for the issue.

The Minister said the event featured Head of NGO Support at the Social Development Ministry Najwa Janahi, Chief Executive of Al-Osra Bank Dr. Khalid Ateeq, Tamkeen Representative Ahmed Janahi and Alawi Taher from Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in addition to several foreign experts such as Head of the International Programme, Charity Commission for England and Wales Nigel Tarling, National Council for Voluntary Organizations representative Kiara Butie and Chief Executive of Youth Business International Andrew Feldman.

She said the conference targeted several civil work organizations in the Kingdom and concerned governmental bodies in addition to representatives of private companies, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and businessmen.

The conference, held for the fourth year in a row, is considered an important platform for NGOs and attract funding and support from the public and private sectors.

MJ

BNA 1502 GMT 2014/10/19