Convention on the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan (IGO)
Executive Summary
Convention on the Sovereign, Imperial, and Royal House of Ghassan as an International Governmental Organization (IGO)
Opened on 25 January 2025
Purpose and Legal Basis
The Convention on the Sovereign, Imperial, and Royal House of Ghassan establishes the House as an International Governmental Organization (IGO) under international law. Building on its legacy as a sovereign Arab Christian dynasty and its contemporary recognition as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Convention formalizes the House's transformation into a sui generis international subject possessing legal personality and diplomatic capacity. This status is consistent with precedents involving other dynastic or sui generis IGOs and is affirmed through recognition by multiple states and intergovernmental bodies under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969) and the New York Convention on Arbitral Awards (1958).
Objectives
The IGO’s primary aims include:
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Safeguarding the historic and religious legacy of the Ghassanid people and Arab Christian identity in the Middle East and diaspora.
Humanitarian and Developmental Action: Promoting education, peacebuilding, human rights, and sustainable development in accordance with the UN Charter and the 2030 Agenda.
Intergovernmental Cooperation: Facilitating bilateral and multilateral partnerships with states, IGOs, NGOs, and academic institutions for mutual recognition, development, and security.
Chivalric and Ethical Diplomacy: Reviving the traditional codes of Muru’a (honor, hospitality, justice, and protection of the vulnerable) through ceremonial and public service roles.
Structure and Governance
The Organization operates through a constitutional monarchy model with diplomatic, executive, and advisory functions:
The Sovereign Head: Serves as Head of State and spiritual protector of the House’s historic legacy.
The Grand Chancellery: The executive and administrative organ responsible for diplomatic missions, internal governance, treaty negotiations, and international representation.
The Council of Nobles and Statesmen: An advisory and consultative body composed of high-ranking officials, experts, and national representatives from affiliated governments or institutions.
Permanent Missions and Envoys: Appointed to liaise with partner states, the UN system, regional organizations, and faith communities.
Jurisdiction and Recognition
The Convention provides the House with:
International Legal Personality: Enabling treaty-making capacity, diplomatic representation, and engagement with multilateral institutions.
Sovereign Functions in Exile: Exercised symbolically and operationally in accordance with the historical continuity of the Ghassanid dynastic tradition and with international customary law.
Non-Territorial Jurisdiction: The House, like the Sovereign Order of Malta, exercises a functional sovereignty not dependent on territory but on historical continuity and diplomatic recognition.
Membership and Participation
Participation in the IGO is open to:
Sovereign states and governments recognizing the House’s status.
Cultural, academic, and religious institutions with shared goals.
Individuals of merit or descent involved in humanitarian, academic, or diplomatic service under the House’s auspices.
Status with International Bodies
The House maintains:
Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC since 2016.
Registration with the United Nations NGO Branch and inclusion in various civil society coalitions.
Bilateral and multilateral engagements with entities such as the European Union, African Union member states, the League of Arab States, and observer missions.
Conclusion
The Convention establishes the Sovereign, Imperial, and Royal House of Ghassan not merely as a relic of history but as a living and active IGO committed to the ethical use of diplomacy, culture, and humanitarian advocacy. Through this framework, the House promotes dialogue among civilizations, honors its ancient Arab Christian legacy, and actively contributes to peace and development across borders.