Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)

The Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) promotes between the peoples of Australia and the Arab world mutual interests and a greater understanding and acceptance of each other's cultures, values, beliefs and diversity. The advisory body forms part of the International Relations Grants Program (IRGP). The IRGP supports the Government's foreign and trade policies and projects a positive contemporary image of Australia. IRGP grants support professional, community and institutional linkages between Australia and its partners on contemporary issues of shared interest including the arts, media, education, business, science, technology and sport. The Council's strategic objectives are: - to support robust professional, community and institutional linkages between Australia and the Arab world that will promote mutual understanding and project positive, accurate and contemporary images of each other's societies. - to promote productive partnerships between Australia and the Arab world on contemporary issues of shared interest, particularly in the fields of science, technology, the environment and social development initiatives such as health and sport. - to raise public and corporate awareness of the importance of the Australian-Arab relationship. - to support increased business and trade between Australia and Arab countries.