Netherlands-MENA Partnership - Shiraka
In Arabic, shiraka means partnership. With the Shiraka programme, the Netherlands supports societal development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The main focus is social contracts between the government and citizens. Shiraka focuses on the involvement of civilians in governance and governments' service delivery for citizens.
Shiraka programme goals
Shiraka aims to bring about positive change in the MENA region, meaning:
- societies that accept cultural and religious differences;
- states that respect the rule of law and protect individuals, minorities and human rights;
- an economy which fosters prosperity and employment.
Resources
With the Shiraka programme, the Netherlands helps the MENA region by:
- carrying out local civil society initiatives, such as programmes promoting the energy transition, public financial management and freedom of the press;
- working with governments, for example, on the rule of law or water management;
- training officials.
The Shiraka programme has a particular focus on the inclusion of women and youth.
Shiraka Training Programme (STP)
The Shiraka Training Programme (STP) is part of the Shiraka Programme, developed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The STP consists of 2-week training courses on water management, food safety, public financial management and legislation. STP focuses on governments' public service delivery for citizens, involving civilians in this process. The training courses are open to government employees from the following countries and states:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Oman
- Palestinian Territories
- Tunisia.
Find out more about the Shiraka training courses and how to register on the Shiraka website.
Government-to-government cooperation (G2G)
Shiraka G2G offers tailor-made support by initiating structural cooperation between public organisations in the MENA region and their counterparts in the Netherlands. This cooperation focuses on public service, governments and their relation to society and citizens. When relevant, cooperation involves the Dutch business community.
Read more about G2G projects.
Videos
Shiraka 10 years
Shiraka training programme
Publications
Register for a Shiraka training course
The application process for these courses opens approximately 2 months before the start of the course. Please check this website regularly to stay informed about the programme.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs