Organizational Regulations of the Forum

Arab Businessmen Forum Isnad

Article 1: Definition of the Forum

First: Name (Arab Businessmen Forum Isnad)

Second: Headquarters: Istanbul

Third: Definition

The Forum is a comprehensive economic organization that brings together Arab and international businessmen under one umbrella to enhance commercial and economic cooperation. The Forum serves as a strategic link facilitating effective communication between various economic parties, including the public and private sectors, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Article 2: Vision, Mission, and Objectives

First: Vision

To be a center for managing effective communication between Arab and international businessmen to achieve sustainable economic development in all countries.

Second: Mission

To be a platform for enhancing economic and commercial partnerships regionally and internationally by building a specialized framework to support business, exchange knowledge, and develop joint projects.

Third: Objectives

1. Enhance commercial partnerships and establish cooperative relationships between Arab and international companies in government and private projects.
2. Support reconstruction: Mobilize a supportive environment for reconstruction investments in vital sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and energy.

Empower the private sector: Enable the private sector and enhance its capabilities to contribute to economic development.

Knowledge and expertise exchange: Organize events and training courses to enhance the administrative and technical capabilities of institutions and individuals.

Attract investments and capital to local markets: Attract investments to the markets targeted by the Forum by providing economic feasibility studies and market data.

Support entrepreneurs and youth: Organize training programs and technical activities to enhance the capabilities of youth in business growth and provide opportunities for small projects through businessmen and appropriate financing institutions to enable youth to succeed in an investment environment.

Enhance investment and cooperation among Arab countries: Create a database platform that benefits companies and identifies available investment opportunities in Arab countries.

Promote principles of transparency, institutionalization, and good governance in the Arab business environment by setting high standards of integrity and accountability. Support the adoption of best administrative and financial practices to ensure proper business conduct and build investor and community trust.

Represent and expand Arab interests: Strengthen Arab presence in global economic activities and attract available investments wherever they exist to support Arab economies and expand trade and investment channels between Arab countries and international institutions.

Article 3: Independence of the Forum

First: The Forum is an independent economic organization, not affiliated with any political or partisan entity, and maintains complete neutrality in all activities.

Second: No political figure may hold membership in the Founding Assembly or the Board of Directors while in political office, but may be a member of the General Assembly or an honorary member.

Article 4: Founding Assembly

First: Definition of the Founding Assembly

This is the assembly that had the honor of establishing the Forum. It includes all those who contributed their efforts and funds to establish the Forum and paid the Founding Assembly membership fees as founding members. The number of members ranges from 11 to 21.

Second: Conditions for Founding Assembly Membership

1. Must have a good reputation and not be convicted of criminal offenses or breaches of trust and honor.
2. Must possess the necessary awareness of the Forum's philosophy and be committed to the Forum's interests and the necessity of fulfilling its duties and achieving its objectives.
3. Must pay the Founding Assembly membership fees.
4. Must not be a political figure in any country while holding political office.

Third: Responsibilities of the Founding Assembly:

1. Formulate the Forum's vision and mission and draft the Forum's internal regulations for voting and approval by the General Assembly.
2. The Founding Assembly assumes the responsibilities of the Board of Directors until the convening of the first General Assembly conference and the election of the Board of Directors.

Article 5: General Assembly

First: Definition of the General Assembly:

The General Assembly is the supreme authority of the Forum and consists of Arab and international businessmen and businesswomen as natural persons and companies as legal entities who wish to join the Forum, benefit from the services it provides to its members, and believe in the Forum's idea. There is no limit to the number of members.

Second: Conditions for General Assembly Membership

1. The applicant must have a good reputation in the economic and commercial field and must not have been involved in issues related to integrity or professional ethics.
2. The applicant must be committed to the Forum's objectives, vision, and mission and be willing to contribute to their realization through their work and efforts to achieve the goals.
3. Must submit a commercial record if applying as a legal entity.
4. Must pay the annual General Assembly membership fees on time.

Third: Responsibilities of the General Assembly:

1. The General Assembly, as the legislative council of the Forum, adopts the Forum's internal regulations through voting and amendments.
2. Establish general policies governing the Forum's work in economic, commercial, and investment fields.
3. Elect Board of Directors members.
4. Approve the strategic plan and annual budget presented by the Board of Directors.
5. Monitor and review performance reports submitted by the Board of Directors.
6. Evaluate the achievement of strategic objectives and approved plans.
7. Review final accounts and financial reports submitted by the Board of Directors.
8. Encourage members to actively participate in the Forum's activities and programs.
9. Dissolve the Board of Directors and elect a new board if necessary and justified.
10. Make exceptional decisions in emergency or crisis situations affecting the Forum's work.

Article 6: Board of Directors

First: Definition of the Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors is the supreme administrative authority overseeing the management and operation of the Arab Businessmen Forum "Isnad." The Board consists of a group of members elected by the General Assembly, representing diverse expertise and perspectives in economic, commercial, and investment fields. The Board has broad powers to establish general policies, make strategic decisions, and oversee the implementation of plans and programs that achieve the Forum's objectives.
2. The Board of Directors consists of a minimum of nine members and a maximum of nineteen members of diverse Arab nationalities, with Arab nationalities as a minimum requirement.
3. The Board elects a chairman and two deputies for each term.
4. Board membership lasts for three years, renewable for one additional term only.

Second: Conditions for Board of Directors Membership:

1. Must have at least ten years of experience in economic, commercial, investment, or administrative fields.
2. Must have been a member of the Arab Businessmen Forum for at least two years, except for the first term only.
3. Must hold at least a bachelor's degree.
4. Must be at least 30 years old.
5. Must possess leadership skills and the ability to make strategic decisions.
6. Must be committed to the Forum's objectives, vision, and mission and be willing to actively contribute to their realization.
7. No Board member may hold a political position while serving on the Board.
8. Must be able to dedicate sufficient time to participate in Board meetings and activities.

Third: Responsibilities of the Board of Directors:

1. Develop long-term plans to achieve the Forum's objectives.
2. Review and approve annual plans submitted by the Executive Committee.
3. Determine priorities and general objectives for the coming year.
4. Establish policies governing the Forum's work in economic, commercial, and investment fields.
5. Ensure policies align with the Forum's objectives and values.
6. Appoint the Executive Committee and define its tasks and responsibilities.
7. Periodically evaluate the performance of the Executive Committee.
8. Approve major programs and projects requiring significant financial or human resources and monitor their implementation.
9. Approve the annual budget and final accounts.
10. Oversee financial affairs and ensure transparency in resource management.
11. Review performance reports submitted by the Executive Committee.
12. Evaluate the achievement of strategic objectives and propose improvements.
13. Investigate any violations or complaints filed against any member or entity within the Forum.
14. Represent the Forum at relevant international conferences and events.
15. Build strategic partnerships with international organizations, government entities, and private sector.
16. Strengthen relationships with relevant entities to achieve the Forum's objectives.
17. Negotiate cooperation agreements and strategic partnerships.
18. Approve initiatives aimed at supporting society and promoting sustainable development.
19. Encourage members to participate in social and developmental activities.
20. Enhance communication among members and exchange of knowledge and expertise.
21. Make exceptional decisions in emergency or crisis situations affecting the Forum's work.
22. Resolve major problems hindering operations.
23. In exceptional cases, the Board may dissolve the Executive Committee and appoint a new executive body.

Fourth: Powers of the Board Chairman

1. Direct Board meetings and ensure they are conducted in an organized and effective manner.
2. Manage the voting process on decisions. In case of a tie, the Chairman's vote is decisive.
3. Represent the Board at official meetings and local and international events.
4. Speak on behalf of the Board regarding Forum policies and decisions.
5. Distribute tasks among Vice-Chairmen according to their specializations.
6. General supervision of the Executive Committee's work and ensure implementation of Board decisions.
7. Appoint the Executive Committee Chairman and periodically evaluate their performance.
8. Determine topics to be discussed in Board meetings.
9. Ensure coverage of all strategic and operational issues.
10. Oversee the process of developing the Forum's vision and general strategies.
11. Propose annual plans and strategic objectives for Board approval.
12. Make exceptional decisions in emergencies that cannot be delayed, with subsequent notification to the Board.
13. Supervise the preparation of the annual budget and present it to the Board for approval.
14. Monitor budget implementation and ensure optimal use of resources.
15. Approve major expenditures exceeding limits set in the budget.
16. Monitor Board members' performance and ensure they fulfill their duties.
17. Submit periodic reports to the General Assembly on the Board's performance.
18. Mediate in case of disputes between Board members or between the Board and the Executive Committee.
19. Represent the Forum at relevant international conferences and events.
20. Negotiate cooperation agreements and strategic partnerships.
21. Strengthen relationships with government entities, private sector, and international organizations.
22. In exceptional cases, the Chairman may propose dissolving the Executive Committee and appointing a new executive body, with Board approval.

Make emergency decisions in crisis situations affecting the Forum's work, with subsequent notification to the Board.

Fifth: Nomination Procedures for Board Membership:

1. The nominee must complete the official nomination form for Board membership.
2. Required documents must be attached, such as a CV, professional certificates, and a nomination letter explaining the motivation for nomination and vision for contributing to the Board's work.
3. The Nominations Committee reviews applications and verifies fulfillment of conditions.
4. Personal interviews may be requested with nominees to assess their suitability for membership.
5. A list of qualified nominees is presented to the General Assembly for voting.
6. Winners of Board membership are announced after completion of the voting process.

Sixth: Termination of Board Membership

1- Reasons for termination of membership

a- Resignation or withdrawal

b- Death

c- Absence from more than three consecutive Board meetings without acceptable excuse.

d- Lack of active participation in Board activities or failure to fulfill assigned tasks.

e- Committing ethical or financial violations affecting the Forum's reputation.

f- Conviction in cases related to integrity or professional ethics.

g- Misuse of the Forum's financial resources or manipulation of accounts.

h- Violation of the Forum's internal rules and regulations.

i- Engaging in activities conflicting with the Forum's objectives or interests.

Seventh: Procedures for Termination of Membership

1. Any Board member may file a complaint against a member suspected of violations.
2. The Board forms an investigation committee of neutral members to examine the complaint and gather evidence.
3. The committee must be independent and include members with expertise in relevant fields.
4. The accused member must be given an opportunity to defend themselves and present their viewpoint.
5. The member may submit documents or evidence to support their defense.

The investigation committee submits a detailed report to the Board including investigation results and recommendations.

The Board discusses the report and makes a decision by consensus or majority vote.

The decision may be to warn the member or terminate membership.

The member is notified of the decision in writing with reasons provided.

In case of termination, the General Assembly is notified of the decision.

The terminated member may appeal the decision within 30 days of notification.

An appeals committee of neutral members is formed to review the decision.

The committee must be independent and include members with legal and administrative expertise.

The appeals committee decides either to uphold or cancel the decision.

The appeals committee's decision is final and binding.

Article 7: Executive Committee

First: Definition

1. The Executive Committee is the executive body responsible for implementing Board decisions and managing the Forum's daily operations.
2. The position of Executive Committee Chairman is held by one person appointed by the Board.
3. The Executive Committee Chairman is responsible for general supervision of the Executive Committee's work and implementation of Board decisions.
4. The Executive Committee Chairman appoints a deputy to assist in managing the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee consists of several departments, each supervised by a specialized department head

6- Main departments include: Financial Affairs, Administrative Affairs, International Relations, Strategic Planning, and Events and Activities.

7- Each department has a team of specialized staff working under the department head's supervision.

Second: Responsibilities of the Executive Committee:

1. Effectively implement Board decisions within specified timelines.
2. Prepare periodic reports for the Board on work progress.
3. Supervise the Forum's daily operations, including financial and administrative management.
4. Ensure smooth and efficient workflow.
5. Organize conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events supporting the Forum's objectives.
6. Coordinate with external parties to ensure event success.
7. Build and strengthen relationships with international organizations, government entities, and private sector.
8. Negotiate cooperation agreements and strategic partnerships.
9. Prepare annual plans and strategies for Board approval.
10. Monitor plan implementation and propose improvements.
11. Prepare the annual budget for Board approval.

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Oversee financial affairs and ensure transparency in resource management.

- Provide technical and administrative support to Forum members.

- Manage internal and external communications for the Forum.

- Implement marketing strategies to enhance the Forum's image and increase membership.

Article 8: Types of Membership

First: Individual Membership

1. Target group: Individuals working in the economic or commercial field, whether businessmen, investors, or entrepreneurs.
2. Membership benefits:
   • Participation in General Assembly meetings and voting on decisions.
   • Access to events and activities organized by the Forum.
   • Benefit from Forum services such as training and consultations.
   • Must be nominated by two General Assembly members.
3. Membership fees:

   a- Annual fee of $300 per year.

Second: Institutional Membership:

1. Target group:

   Companies and institutions working in economic, commercial, or investment fields.

2. Membership benefits:

   a- Participation in General Assembly meetings and voting on decisions.

   b- Company representation in General Assembly meetings through an authorized representative.

   c- Access to investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.

   d- Participation in company-specific events.

   e- Must be nominated by two General Assembly members.

3. Membership fees:

   Annual fee of $500 per year.

Third: Honorary Membership:

1. Target group:

   Public figures or economic leaders who have contributed to supporting Arab or global economy.

2. Membership benefits:

   a- Honorary membership without fees.

   b- Participation in major events as honorary representatives of the Forum.

   c- Benefit from Forum services without regular membership obligations.

3. Nomination conditions:

   a- Honorary members are nominated by the Board of Directors.

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Fourth: Youth Membership (Young Entrepreneurs)

1. Target group:

   Youth aged between 18-40 years, working in business growth or with startup projects.

2. Membership benefits:

   a- Participation in General Assembly meetings and voting on decisions.

   b- Special membership fees.

   c- Access to training programs and workshops on business growth.

   d- Provision of financing opportunities through Forum partnerships with financing institutions.

3. Membership fees:

   Annual fee of $200 per year.

Fifth: International Membership

1. Target group:

   International businessmen and investors with commercial or investment interests in the Arab region who do not have voting rights in the General Assembly.

2. Membership benefits:

   a- Access to investment opportunities in Arab markets.

   b- Participation in international events organized by the Forum.

   c- Building relationships with Arab businessmen.

3. Membership fees:

   Annual fee of $1000 per year.

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Sixth: Governmental Institutional Membership

1. Target group:

   Government entities or public institutions wishing to cooperate with the Forum to achieve common objectives.

2. Membership benefits:

   a- Participation in formulating economic and investment policies.

   b- Access to market reports and studies prepared by the Forum.

   c- Cooperation in organizing joint events and programs.

3. Membership fees:

   Membership is free, and fees are determined based on services provided and the nature of cooperation and agreements concluded.

Article 9: Meetings and Decisions

1. Board meetings are held with the attendance of the Board Chairman or deputy or their representative (50%+1 of members as a minimum).
2. The Forum Board meets once at the beginning of each quarter, and the Board Chairman may call for an emergency or exceptional meeting, or upon request of one-third of Board members.
3. Board decisions are issued by majority vote (50%+1) of attending members.
4. The General Assembly holds an annual conference with (50%+1) of its members as a minimum. Future plans are presented, the annual financial budget is discussed, members meet to review the Forum's work and evaluate its progress, and plans are approved. This annual meeting is held at the beginning of the fiscal year.
5. General Assembly decisions are issued by majority vote (50%+1) of attending members.

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The Board of Directors may call the General Assembly to convene in an exceptional meeting with a statement of reasons justifying the call for this meeting.

General Assembly, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee meetings may be held in person or virtually, and their decisions are valid if the legal quorum is met.

If the legal quorum of (50%+1) is not met more than once for Board and General Assembly meetings, the meeting is held with those present and is considered legal, with its decisions binding.

Article 10: Financial Resources and Funds Management

First: Financial Resources

1. Membership fees:

   - Annual membership fees are determined for each type of membership (individual, institutional, youth, international, etc.) according to policies approved by the Board.

2. Donations, grants, and wills:

   - Donations, grants, and wills may be accepted from individuals or institutions, provided they do not conflict with the Forum's independence and objectives.

   - Sources of donations and grants must be announced transparently.

3. Event revenues:

   - Part of the Forum's activities are funded through revenues from events such as conferences, workshops, and seminars.

4. Investments:

   - Forum funds may be invested in safe and profitable projects after Board and General Assembly approval.

Second: Funds Management:

1. Budget preparation:

   - The Executive Committee prepares the annual budget and presents it to the Board for approval.

   - The budget must include all expected revenues and expenditures.

2. Spending:

   - Spending is according to financial controls approved by the Board.

   - Prior approval from the Executive Committee Chairman or their delegate is required for expenditures exceeding specified limits.

3. Bank accounts:

   - Bank accounts are opened in the Forum's name in approved banks.

   - All financial transactions must be documented and approved by relevant authorities.

4. Financial audit:

   - An external auditor is appointed to audit the Forum's financial accounts annually.

   - The audit report is submitted to the Board and General Assembly.

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5. Financial Reports:

1. Periodic financial reports (quarterly and annual) are prepared for the Board.
2. A summary of financial reports is published on the Forum's website to ensure transparency.

6. Expenditure Disclosure:

1. All major expenditures exceeding a certain threshold determined by the Board must be disclosed.

7. Compliance with Laws:

1. All financial transactions must comply with laws and regulations in countries where the Forum operates.

8. Prohibition of Suspicious Funding:

1. Accepting funding from suspicious or unknown sources is prohibited.
2. Funding sources must be carefully verified.

9. Reserve Fund:

1. A reserve fund is established to face any financial emergencies.
2. A certain percentage of annual revenues is allocated to the reserve fund.

10. Use of Reserve Fund:

1. The reserve fund is only used in emergencies approved by the Board.

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Article 11: Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

First: Dispute Resolution Mechanism

1. Amicable settlement:

   - In case of disputes between members or between members and the Forum, parties are encouraged to resolve disputes amicably through direct negotiation.

2. Internal arbitration committee:

   - If amicable resolution is not possible, an internal arbitration committee is formed by the Board.

   - The committee consists of three neutral members with expertise in relevant fields.

3. Internal arbitration procedures:

   - The committee studies the dispute, gathers evidence, and hears all parties.

   - A binding arbitration decision is issued within a specified period (usually 30 days from committee formation).

Second: External Arbitration

1. Resort to external arbitration:

   - If resolution through the internal committee is not possible, resort is made to an accredited external arbitration body.

   - The external arbitration body is selected by agreement between parties or through Board recommendation.

2. External Arbitration Procedures

1. Procedures follow those approved by the external body.
2. External arbitration decisions are final and binding on all parties.

Third: Resort to Judiciary

1. Cases for resort to judiciary:

   a-Resort to judiciary is only in cases where dispute resolution through internal or external arbitration is not possible.

   b- This must be done according to laws in force in the country where the dispute occurred...

Fourth: Arbitration Costs

1. Cost bearing:

   a-Internal arbitration costs are borne by the Forum.

   b-In external arbitration, costs are borne by disputing parties unless the Board decides otherwise.

2. Cost distribution:

   a-The arbitration committee or external body may determine cost distribution between parties based on dispute nature.

Fifth: Confidentiality

1. Information protection:

   a-All arbitration procedures are treated with strict confidentiality.

   b-No information related to the dispute or arbitration is disclosed except to concerned parties.

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Article 12: Amendment of Internal Regulations

First: Amendment Proposal Mechanism

1. Amendment proposals:

   i- Board or General Assembly members may propose amendments to internal regulations.

   b- Proposals must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee with reasons and justifications.

2. Proposal study:

   i- The Executive Committee studies proposals if submitted by 10% of General Assembly members, then prepares a detailed report on expected effects.

   b- The report is presented to the Board for discussion and appropriate decision.

Second: Board Approval

1. Proposal discussion:

   i- The Board discusses proposals in official meetings, allowing members to present opinions.

   b- Voting on proposals is by majority.

2. Recommendation for adoption:

   1- If the Board approves amendments, a final draft is prepared for General Assembly approval.

Third: General Assembly Approval

1. Amendment presentation:

   - Proposed amendments are presented to the General Assembly in regular or exceptional meetings.

   - Members must be notified in advance of amendment text and reasons.

2. Voting:

   - Amendments are voted on by majority of attending members.

   - If approved, amendments become part of the Forum's internal regulations.

Fourth: Implementation Procedures

1. Amendment announcement:

   - Approved amendments are announced on the Forum's website and official communication channels.

   - All members are notified of new amendments.

2. Amendment effect:

   - Amendments take effect from General Assembly approval date unless another date is specified.

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Fifth: Emergency Amendments

1. Emergency cases:

   - In emergencies requiring immediate amendments, the Board may temporarily approve amendments.

   - Amendments must be presented to the General Assembly at the next meeting for final approval.

Article 13: General and Final Provisions

First: Effect of Internal Regulations

1. Regulations commencement:

   - These internal regulations take effect from General Assembly approval date.

   - Any previous regulations conflicting with these provisions are cancelled.

2. Publication and announcement:

   - Regulations are published on the Forum's website and official communication channels.

   - All members are notified of new regulations.

Second: Interpretation of Internal Regulations

1. Interpretation authority:

   - The Board interprets any regulation clause in case of ambiguity or differing understanding.

   - Board interpretation is final and binding on all members.

2. Unforeseen cases:

   a- In cases not covered by these regulations, the Board makes appropriate decisions based on Forum objectives and values.

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Third: Official Language

1. Regulations language:

   a- Arabic is the official language of these internal regulations.

   b- If translated into other languages, the Arabic version prevails in case of conflict.

Fourth: Amendment of Internal Regulations

1. Future amendments

   a- These regulations may be amended according to procedures in Article 12 (Amendment of Internal Regulations).

   b- Any amendments must align with Forum objectives and vision.

Fifth: Dissolution of the Forum

1. Forum dissolution:

   a- If the General Assembly decides to dissolve the Forum, this requires attendance of two-thirds of General Assembly members.

   b- A liquidation committee is formed by the Board.

   c- The committee liquidates Forum funds and settles obligations according to applicable laws.

   d- Any remaining funds are distributed to charitable or non-profit organizations with similar objectives, after General Assembly approval.

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Sixth: Compliance with Laws

1. Compliance with local and international laws:

   a- The Forum complies with all laws and regulations in countries where it operates.

   b- All Forum activities must comply with local and international laws.

Seventh: Regulations Effect

1. Effect date:

   a- These internal regulations take effect from General Assembly approval date.

2. Member notification:

   a- All members are notified of regulations effect date via email or official letter.