Yemen is preparing to host the activities of the fourth Future Forum due to be held early in September. The activities will be attended by Foreign Ministers, civil society organizations' representatives in Middle East and North Africa as well as European Union and Arab, the representatives of the African and International funds.

Assistant Foreign Minister Muhiaddin Al-Dhabi hinted the effectiveness of the forum stems from the areas dynamicity and hinted the joint presidency system including one of Group 8 states besides the hosting country helps deepen the partnership principle and reinforce the mutual respect of people and their cultures.

Meanwhile, a parallel forum of civil society organizations will review the developments in democratic and human rights fields achieved over the few years. It will also prepare a report in evaluation of democratic reforms.

The forum's consulting board member and chairman of Human Rights Information and Training Center Ezaddin Al-Asbahi noted that 200 participants representing civil society organizations, businessmen, media affiliates, political parties, Arab Parliaments, along with activists from Group 8 states and Gulf countries will attend the sessions and participate in preparing the report.

Al-Asbahi added the report is built on two axes: one relating to freedom of opinion and expression and other to the legislations concerning non-governmental organizations.

He maintained the activities will also include organizing workshops on women enabling, education, labor market, youth, political participation and role of the private sector in political reform process.

The activities of the first Future Forum were launched in Morocco in June 2004, six months after Group 8 coalition was announced. The forum's mission is to support democracy and development in the Middle East.