In the spirit of embracing inclusivity and evolving perspectives, we are excited to announce a transformative change for our geographical department within ALDA. Starting this year, the MEA department, previously known as “Middle East & Africa”, will now be called ASWAT: Africa, SouthWest Asia, and Türkiye.
Let us explain the meaning behind this new name and what it symbolises:
Why ASWAT?
The acronym ASWAT has been thoughtfully chosen to represent:
- Africa: As a global organisation, we work across the entire African continent, and this change acknowledges our broad scope of action.
- SouthWest Asia: This term roughly corresponds to what is traditionally referred to as the “Middle East.” However, “SouthWest Asia” is less Eurocentric and more culturally and politically sensitive. By adopting this terminology, we aim to reflect a decolonized perspective and honor the identities of the regions included.
- Türkiye: Recognising the official preference of the Turkish government to use “Türkiye” internationally, we have chosen to include it as a separate term. This decision acknowledges its geographical and cultural uniqueness, partly in Europe and partly in Asia, and underscores its distinct identity.
Notably, the Arabic word “Aswaat” (أصوات) translates to “voices”, a poetic nod to our mission of amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering dialogue across regions.
A Commitment to Decolonising Language
This name change goes beyond a mere semantic or linguistic shift. It represents a conscious effort within our ALDA community to adopt terminology that respects the regions we serve. As noted by advocates for using “SWANA” (SouthWest Asia and North Africa) instead of “MENA” (Middle East and North Africa), language matters deeply in shaping our understanding and engagement with the world.
By moving away from terms rooted in Eurocentrism, we align ourselves with a broader movement toward decolonizing perspectives and fostering inclusivity. As highlighted in an insightful article on this topic, “it’s more than just a name change: it represents a broader movement towards decolonizing our language and perspectives.”
Supporting a Smooth Transition
We understand that ASWAT may not yet feel familiar, but we are confident that it will soon resonate just as strongly as MEA once did. We hope this change will inspire similar reflections within other organisations, as many in our field are increasingly adopting terms like “SWANA” and “WANA” for the same reasons.
This decision reflects our commitment to a more accurate, respectful, and inclusive representation of the regions where we work.
What’s Next?
As we shift towards ASWAT, we remain committed to our core mission: supporting local democracy, good governance, and sustainable development across the regions we serve. This new name reflects our values and the respect we hold for the diversity and richness of these areas.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the ASWAT department as we continue working to build bridges and amplify voices worldwide.
For more on the significance of this change, explore our recommended reading here.