This book encompasses the proceedings of the international conference organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI by Fès-Saiss Association on the theme: “Civil Society, Gender and Sustainable Development” on February 14-16, 2002 in Fès.

    The conference had five major goals: First, it aimed to initiate and consolidate cooperation among foundations, corporate funders and their respective grantees and sustain civil society structures, particularly in Morocco.

  Second, the conference sought to put in place a network of individuals and organizations capable of moving forward quickly on different issues ranging from unemployment to substance abuse.

  Third, the conference served as a starting point for meaningful dialogue, building on what has already been achieved within cooperation programmes.

  Fourth, the conference aimed at expanding communication and cooperation between different foundations and associations in both countries, given the strong need to foster understanding and to exchange views and experiences in this domain. Civil society must develop flexible and effective responses to problems of common interest ranging from education, development, environment, technology, trade and conflict resolution.

  There is also need to develop new channels of cooperation by promoting information exchanges among civil society organizations, and to assume responsibility for the promotion of good practice, transparency, accountability and credibility.

   Fifth, another purpose of the conference was to explore how civil society organizations could best identify issues of common concern and develop an agenda for cooperation and partnership.  Participants then identified a series of problem areas, including the natural and cultural environment, demographics, economic conditions, and specific social issues. The conference dealt with the following sub-themes: literacy, education, cultural diversity, development, effects of globalization, human rights and democracy, gender and youth issues.