Egypt

Ensuring women's participation will be crucial building a democratic and well-governed Egypt. An UNDEF-funded initiative works to strengthen women's role, including in the coming elections. Implemented by the Egyptian Center for Women's Rights, the project has established a watchdog to monitor women's political and institutional
access, while training women leaders to effectively take part in electoral campaigns.

Lebanon

Lebanon is undergoing a critical period in its efforts to build governance, the rule of law and participatory democracy. To prepare young people to play a fuller part, UNDEF funds 'Citizenship Is My Right', a project for youth in local governance and community life in South Lebanon, Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The overall goal is to build the skills required to create youth municipal councils and projects of collective interest. The project is implemented by Mouvement Social, a secular association working for
development throughout Lebanon for the past 40 years.

Palestine

In the occupied Palestinian territory, movement restrictions and closures severely limit access to information and interaction with decision-makers. UNDEF funds a project using social media and broadcasting to bridge this communication gap between officials and the public. Implemented by AMIN Media Network, the initiative advances the use of citizen journalism and blogs for interaction between communities and the Palestinian Authority. It trains civil society in producing community radio talk shows and national TV
debates on good governance, development and democracy -- tackling issues that affect Palestinian society as a whole.

Morocco

Tapping into the political energy of Morocco’s youth and women, UNDEF funds a project to educate them as trainers in public and electoral affairs. Implemented by the Moroccan Center for Civic Education, the project includes workshops on human rights, electoral
participation, laws governing elections, candidates’ education levels, the role of the media and schools. It trains new trainers by working with experts in civic education, representatives of civil society, academics and graduate students.

Tunisia

The political participation of women will be critical in building the way forward in Tunisia after the historic events of early 2011. An UNDEF-funded project uses communication campaigns to promote a positive image of leadership by women from diverse backgrounds, improve awareness of women's rights, and advance gender equality. Implemented by the Tunis-based independent regional Centre of Arab Women Training and Research, the initiative also covers Tunisia's neighbours Algeria and Morocco. All
three countries are likely to have a key impact on how democracy develops in the Arab world over the next few years.