The "Top 500 NGOs in the World" list is compiled by NGO Advisor, a Geneva-based independent media organisation committed to recognising innovation, impact and governance in the non-profit sector.

It also ranked GFP, the Jordan-based global non-profit organisation, as the number two peace-building NGO behind the Chicago-based Cure Violence.

GFP is dedicated to sustainable conflict transformation at grassroots level by promoting youth leadership, community empowerment, active tolerance and responsible citizenship.

As the only peace-through-sport organisation officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), GFP’s approach is said to have succeeded in training, mentoring and supporting more than 9,000 peace-building volunteer youth leaders across 50 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The organisation covers a range of conflict issues, ranging from ethnic, tribal and religious disputes to gender inequality and violence against women, to minority and disability discrimination.

GFP builds on local strengths to help local volunteers make their communities more peaceful, and better places for generations to come.

"Our excellent ranking for the third year in a row is recognition and validation of the hard work and achievements of all the delegates, pioneers and HQ team, and reflects Generations For Peace’s consistent drive for innovation, quality, impact and sustainability in everything we do," Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, founder and chairman of GFP, said.

"It is testament to all of our trained volunteers who are leading positive sustainable change in communities all over the world.

"Their remarkable efforts to promote peace, tolerance and social cohesion in their own communities are truly inspiring.

"To see Generations For Peace once again recognised as one of the best NGOs in the world is a great boost for all involved, and we look forward to expanding to benefit to even more communities in 2017 and beyond."

GFP claims its high ranking has been achieved thanks to its "continued innovation in developing peace-building tools and adaptive programming; its strong focus on impact measurement, participatory evaluation, reflection and learning; its sustainable cost model, and its strong partnerships with United Nations agencies governmental donors and commercial partners".

Jean-Christophe Nothias, editor of the Top 500 NGOs in the World list, added: "When you face GFP’s army of young, articulate, peace-pushing volunteers, then you understand that something big is going on here.

"There seems to be no limit to the organisation’s ambition and discipline.

"The organisation mentors young people to bring about powerful and desperately needed social change by building mutual respect, tolerance, and trust through dialogue.

"Further, GFP recognises the importance of reflecting deeply on its own work and the many projects it conducts.

"The organisation is constantly innovating, experimenting, evaluating, and then scaling up the projects that work.

"To deliver impact as well as innovation at the grassroots level requires dedication to developing a new culture around peace, not to mention a great sense of motivation."