BAX: CURRENT PROJECTS

NEW CHAIR CALLS FOR DEEPER DIALOGUE WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE ARAB WORLD

British-Arab Exchanges (BAX), an educational charity which has been running youth exchanges with the Arab world for the past four decades, has appointed a new chairman.

The Right Honourable John Battle, a former Labour minister and prime ministerial envoy to faith communities, will lead the organisation at a time when momentous political changes in the Arab world are highlighting the relevance of BAX's mission of building bridges between young British and Arab community leaders.

In his first comments as chairman, Mr Battle said:

"We need to work harder than ever to bring about British-Arab understanding as we shift far too quickly from images of 'Arab spring' to a bleak sense of 'Arab winter'".

Mr Battle underlined the importance of the charity's work in supporting civil society leaders who are poised to play a crucial role in the political transition taking place in Arab countries:

"BAX has supported young civil society leaders in the Arab world for many years. At this crucial time, we will persist with our programme of regular visits, exchanges and leadership training to ensure that long-term dialogue becomes part of the future".

Speaking about the charity's agenda for 2012, as freely-elected governments take office in numerous Arab countries, Mr Battle said:

"Now more than ever, we need to be part of the process of building a positive future. 2012 will prove a crucial year for BAX and all our supporters as we seek to support the extraordinary efforts of young people in the Arab world".

About BAX

BAX is a non-governmental, educational charity registered in the UK. Founded in 1973, it has 39 years of experience of organising educational and exchange programmes for young people of the UK and the Arab and Muslim countries (to date, with Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, Palestine, Jordan and Iraq).

BAX aims to overcome divisions, create a network of bridge-builders, train future opinion-leaders and provide space for dialogue. Central to this work is a focus on shared moral and spiritual values between the UK and the Arab world, collaborative learning, and recognition of the importance of
personal attitudes and relationships in situations of crisis and change.

About John Battle

Rt Hon John Battle retired at the 2010 general election after 23 years as Labour Member of Parliament for Leeds West. He served as Minister of State at the Department for Trade and Industry and subsequently at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and, after the 9/11 attacks, as the Prime Minister's envoy to the faith communities.

As a member of the All-Party Select Committee on International Development between 2001-2010, he visited a number of Arab countries. He was appointed as a Member of the Privy Council in 2002. In 2009 he was invested as a Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St Gregory the
Great by Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his services to the Catholic Church.

Since leaving parliament he has been involved in community development in Leeds, working on issues such as family debt, ex-offenders' housing, and inter-faith relations.

John Battle is available for interview on the charity and relations with the Arab world.

Please direct all enquiries to Alison Baily on 078 11 405 121 or alison.baily@bax.org.uk

BAX: British-Arab Exchanges