We are all familiar with the Budapest Open Access Initiative which offered the initial definition and statement of intent for the open access movement, and has helped guide activities across the world in the intervening decades. Now that it has become an independent organisation, offering guidance and strategic insight to open access advocates everywhere – we are excited and honoured that they have agreed to join FORM as a strategic partner, and share their insights and experiences with our stakeholders across the Arab world.

“The BOAI Org is thrilled to become a member of FORM’s Strategic Partnership Program. The BOAI offered the first definition of Open Access (OA), and launched a worldwide campaign for OA to all new peer-reviewed research. Building on the legacy of the BOAI, the initiative has transitioned to play a more active role within the Access to Knowledge movement. The new organization fosters the global development of equitable open access and supports the adoption of policies, practices and sustainability models that make scholarly communications free to read and publish. Given the global remit of the BOAI Org, we are excited to establish this partnership with FORM as it will allow us to develop deeper collaborations in MENA.” Melissa Hagemann, Director (BOAI Org)

“The strong synergies between our mission to advance the development and implementation of open science policies and practices in higher education institutions and research communities across the Arab states, and the BOAI Org’s focus on supporting the adoption of policies, practices and sustainability models across the scholarly communications ecosystem, makes this the perfect partnership – and I look forward to collaborating with BOAI Org in the coming months and years as we work together towards a more knowledgeable and open Arab world”. Emily Choynowski, Director (FORM)