About the National Dialogue

The Bahrain National Dialogue is an initiative instigated by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to promote reform and encourage discussion on the governance of Bahrain

Bahrain

' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...

. The Dialogue began on 2 July 2011 and participants from over 300 organisations from across the Bahraini political spectrum are able to voice their concerns and thoughts freely and without being subject to conditions. The Dialogue is chaired by Parliament Speaker Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Dhahrani

Khalifa Al Dhahrani

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of Bahrain, assigned the Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mr. Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Dahrani to chair the National Dialogue because of the popularity and confidence he enjoys among all the political forces, in addition to his broad experience...

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The National Dialogue is part of the King’s response to the protests that occurred in February 2011 and is running on parallel to the Royal Independent Investigation Commission, which is looking into the details of the events and the government response to them.

The Process

The process has been designed to ensure the best management for the Dialogue in order to be able to serve its outcomes, in line with the main objective of bringing different points of view closer to define mutual visions that will further enhance the reform process towards overall development and progress.

It involves forwarding the outcomes of the sessions to HM the King, once they are agreed upon by all participating parties. HM the King then gives Royal orders to the executive and legislative authorities to take the necessary action with regard to the outcomes.

The Dialogue’s Chairman has no authority to eliminate any of the topics that have been agreed upon during the sessions. The Dialogue is aimed at providing an opportunity for a complete transparent discussion of issues.

The topics of discussion for the dialogue will be divided into four main areas that revolve around political, social, economic and human rights issues.

There will also be a sub-theme covering issues related to expats living in Bahrain, by conducting a forum at the sidelines of the Dialogue.

Participants

300 invitations for participation in the national dialogue had bent sent out, with 37 % assigned for political societies, 36 % for civil and non-governmental organisations, 21 % for opinion leaders and prominent figures within the Kingdom of Bahrain and 6 % for media representation.

The Civil and non-governmental organisations were covered with a representation of 12 % for professional societies, 9 % for social societies, 5 % for women societies, 5 % for youth societies, 3 % for the various labour unions and 2 % representation from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The invitees were requested to present their views and suggestions for topics to be discussed by June 26, 2011.