Governance that protects credibility.
Built on a clear separation of powers, independent oversight, and a framework of integrity and safeguarding policies. Reputation is our real capital, and we protect it by design, not by slogans.
Why governance comes first
The forum is an independent, non-profit, non-political institution, registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor under the Associations and Private Institutions Law No. 93 of 1958. When credibility is precisely what we ask funders and investors to trust, governance becomes the product, not the paperwork.
So our structure draws a clear line between those who set strategy and those who deliver it: a board that sets direction and bears responsibility without interfering in daily operations or benefiting from the programs, a full-time executive team that runs the work, and independent oversight bodies that protect decisions from conflicts of interest.
All funds are subject to an independent annual financial audit, and no profit is distributed to anyone — every resource, local or international, goes to the mission.
A board that sets strategy, a full-time executive team that runs daily operations, and committees and oversight bodies that protect credibility.
Governance structure
Eight bodies with distinct roles, from the General Assembly to independent oversight.
General Assembly
Comprises members who meet the membership conditions. It elects the board, approves the budget and the audited final accounts, appoints the independent financial auditor, adopts general plans and policies, and meets at least once a year.
Board of Directors
Elected by the General Assembly. It sets strategy and bears responsibility, without interfering in daily operations or benefiting from the programs. It appoints and evaluates the Executive Director, adopts the policies, and follows the independent audit.
Officers of the board
The board elects from among its members a chair, a vice-chair, a treasurer, and a secretary, with defined duties that ensure a separation of powers.
Executive Director & team
A paid, full-time director runs daily operations with a small team and reports to the board within the authority it sets — so the board is never absorbed by daily operations.
Program committees
A dedicated committee for each program, chaired by a board member, tracking its design, delivery, and indicators and reporting to the board.
Project Selection Committee
An independent committee that separates those who select projects from those who mentor or benefit from them; it selects on merit by announced written criteria and documented decisions.
Audit & Conflict-of-Interest Committee
Oversees the independent annual financial audit, keeps the register of interests, rules on conflict-of-interest and related-party cases, and receives whistleblower reports — independently of the executive management.
Advisory Council
Experts, mentors, and diaspora members from outside the board who advise in a non-voting capacity, without executive authority — the natural home for the widest pool of talent.
Our governance & safeguarding policies
An integrated framework for governance, integrity, and protection — in final preparation, pending legal review and co-founder sign-off.
Conflict of interest & related parties
Advance disclosure of any conflict and recusal from the relevant debate and vote, an annual written declaration, a register of interests, and related-party transactions only at a fair price with independent approval and documentation.
Code of conduct & non-political policy
Integrity, respect, and total political neutrality; the forum's resources, name, and logo are never used for any political, partisan, or sectarian purpose.
Safeguarding & protection from abuse
A “do no harm” principle and zero tolerance for exploitation, abuse, or harassment, with a confidential, survivor-centred response and heightened protection for children and the most vulnerable.
Whistleblower & speak-up
A safe, confidential channel that allows anonymous reporting, protection for good-faith reporters from any retaliation, and a prompt, impartial investigation.
Personal data protection
Lawful, fair, minimal, and secure processing of beneficiaries', staff, and partners' data, data-subject rights, breach response, and protection by design.
Anti-fraud & anti-corruption
Zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, bribery, and money laundering, with internal controls, segregation of duties, dual approval, and sanctions-list screening, referencing the UN Convention against Corruption.
Procurement & contracting
Best value for money with integrity, open competition, and a full audit trail, with segregation of duties, an approval matrix, and supplier due diligence.
Human resources
Employment on merit, fairness, and non-discrimination, with written contracts, equal opportunity, anti-harassment, a transparent pay scale, and integrated safeguarding and staff-data protection.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning
A single methodology to measure results and impact and to be accountable to beneficiaries and funders, using the OECD-DAC criteria and a theory of change for each program.
Transparency & accountability commitments
- An independent annual financial audit covering all resources and expenditures.
- No distribution of profit or returns to anyone — every resource goes to the mission.
- No benefit to board or committee members from the programs or their beneficiaries.
- Independent project selection, by announced criteria and documented decisions.
- A register of interests, a decision log, and signed minutes — the basis of our transparency.
- A safe reporting channel that protects good-faith whistleblowers.
- International references: the Convention against Corruption, the OECD-DAC criteria, and data-protection principles.
Legal basis & current status
An officially registered institution, non-profit and non-political by license and by design.
- Legal basis
- Associations and Private Institutions Law No. 93 of 1958
- Licensing authority
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Decision No. 5287
- Nature
- A non-profit, independent, non-political institution
- Audit
- An independent annual financial audit
Governance documents on request
We are glad to share the full governance pack with funders and partners: the bylaws, the board and committee charters, and the nine policies.