The Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (Cedare) was established in 1992 as an international not-for-profit organization, with diplomatic status. This was in response to a call for a knowledge-based and technology-driven Centre of Excellence by the Arab Ministers of Environment (Damascus Convention, 1991), and with the support of the United Nations Development Program, and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.
Cedare is governed by a high-level Board of Trustees. It works with over 150 reputable partners at the national, regional and international level. Its headquarters is based in Cairo, Egypt, with regional offices in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in the University of Malta, Valetta, Malta, 
True to its name and mandate, the Centre acts as an effective catalyst, facilitating collaborative action between the Arab Region, Europe and the International Community in the interdependent fields of environment and development. 
Embedding environmental concerns within countries’ development policies, strategies and action plans, to support sensible decision-making, remains high on Cedare’s agenda.  This forward-thinking approach advances a conducive atmosphere in which economic growth flourishes and where societies develop in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.