Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty

Report by Ahmad Sayed on the seminar Strengthening Political Youth Organizations (4 – 16 December 2011)

2012

At the outset, I would like to extend my deep thanks to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for their efforts in having this outstanding seminar effectively organized, for the rich materials they provided, the scientifically presented lectures, and for making such cultural, expertise, and dialogue exchange available for all the participants from all over the world, in a way that allows everybody to closely know about various experiences. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2012 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

New Book on Crisis of Arab liberalism: The Model of Egypt (Printed in Arabic)

2012

The book presents the liberal theoretical concepts and its basic principles, as a political and philosophical doctrine. It also presents the concept of freedom in the different Islamic schools of thought, as well as of the pioneers of modern thought.

Then, the book takes Egypt as a model to measure the extent of success of the experiment of liberalism in the Arab world, where it is the most prominent experience of liberalism in the Arab region, based on its broad impact in its regional space.

Finally, the book presents the challenges facing the liberal forces, with the remaining questions: Can Arab liberals play a role in making the future? Is the current transition to democracy will carry liberal dimensions or vice versa?!

Full online text here.

Foundation Joins Cairo International Book Fair

2011

For the second time, the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) will participate with a stand at the Cairo International Book Fair. The Foundation's books will be presented in a special section of the booth of our publishing partner Mahrousa in the Hall Germany 2 of the Exhibition Center. FNF's display will include books of the Arab language series "Liberal Publications" and "Transition to Democracy" as well as other publications produced by our Egyptian partners.

The 43rd Cairo International Book Fair will kick of on January 22 and run through to February 7 with a two days interruption on January 25 and 26 for the anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution. "For us, this is a great opportunity to interact with the Egyptian public and display to people interested in reading our liberal publications", said Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus. FNF-staff will be present throughout the duration of the Fair and answer visitors' question.

The books will be sold at discounted prices and visitors may receive small presents. During this year's book fair, a series of cultural events will be held focusing on the "Arab Spring"; 29 Arab and foreign countries have signed up to participate with Tunisia as the guest of honor.

Online Seminar on "Liberalism Today – Freedom First": Call for Applications

2011

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation's International Academy for Leadership (IAF) invites young leaders from politics, economy and administration to join the online seminar on "Liberalism Today – Freedom First".

The seminar will be from 30 January – 26 February 2012. For more information on the topic, please click here.

The seminar is divided into three phases. In the first part, participants are given materials to read to deepen their knowledge and are encouraged to discuss via an online forum their thoughts and insights. Participants will then be asked to write an essay. Based on their contribution, IAF will invite selected participants for the second and third phases. The second part is a preparatory phase for the on-site seminar (third phase) in Gummersbach, Germany to continue the discussions from 15 – 27 April 2012.

The seminar does not require participants to be online at all times. They have the flexibility to work at their own pace provided they meet the deadlines assigned to each task.

Application procedure: Please e-mail letters of intent outlining responsibilities and relevance to the seminar applied for and CVs to egypt@fnst.org. The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday, January 15, 2012. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

FNF's Regional Office in Cairo will only evaluate applications from Egypt. If you live in another country, please contact the Foundation's office in your country or nearest to your country.

Report by Ahmad Abd-Rabo on the seminar Politics and Civil Society: Political Parties and NGOs (23 October – 4 November 2011)

2011

After having participated in several workshops offered by FNF within Egypt, it was a great opportunity for me to join the International Academy for Leadership in the town of Gummersbach, a town that is quiet both day and night; and within the building of the Academy that is somewhat isolated up a hill. The workshop, however, also took place amidst amicable relations prevalent among participants, staff, and moderators. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Ahmad Badawi on the seminar Coalition Building and Strategic Partnership (10 - 22 April 2011)

2011

In the outset, I would like to commend all the staff of FNF for their great effort and their contribution to strengthening liberal thought and democracy in Egypt.

I have attended a 12-day training in Germany in the IAF Academy under the title "Building Alliances and Strategic Partnerships". This seminar harbored 22 participants from around the world and I found it very useful in the following areas in particular: Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Mahmoud Saber on the seminar Change Management (10 - 17 July 2011)

2011

After the lapse of around seven months on what was dubbed as the Arab Spring, and the blow of the winds of change over the Mediterranean, the main driver of change could not have been solely the demonstrations erupting in a small town in Tunisia, Sidi Bouzaid. Nonetheless, the main driver behind dismantling oppressive regimes that have existed for decades was the desire by people for change; changing a reality, not even thought to be possible in the wildest of dreams. It was a radical change called revolution. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Moushira Mohamed Saleh on the seminar Political Leadership (3 - 10 September 2011)

2011

I have applied to attend the Political Leadership Seminar organized and sponsored by Friedrich Naumann Foundation in the period between 3rd and 10th of September 2011 in the International Academy for Leadership (IAF) Gummersbach in Germany as a member of the Free Egyptians Party (Elmasreyeen Elahrar). Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Foundation Supports Training Programs for Journalists

2011

For many years, training programs for journalists are an important element of the educative activities of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty's (FNF) project work in Egypt. In the run-up to the parliamentary elections which will kick off on November 28, 2011, the Foundation is sponsoring a series of trainings aimed at enhancing the professional skills of Egyptian journalists. The programs are targeting journalists from various media with a special interest in matters related to the elections.

"The lack of systematic and institutionalized journalism training is one of the challenges of the media in this country", says Dr. Ronald Meinardus, the Regional Director of the Foundation who has a professional background as a radio editor in Germany before he joined FNF.

An important component of the Foundation's efforts has been the publication of a manual entitled "Journalists and Elections". The 300-pages book has been published with the renowned Al Ahram Foundation and aims at explaining in clear and simple terms the provisions of the press law and the electoral system.

More on "Foundation Supports Training Programs for Journalists"

New vacancies at the regional office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty in Cairo/Maadi:

2011

At present, the following vacancies are available at the regional office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty in Cairo/Maadi:

1- Program Officer: Regional Projects

2- Program Officer: Projects in Egypt

3- Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in

Report by Dina Wafa on the seminar Human and Civil Rights (14 - 26 August 2011)

2011

The Human and Civil Rights seminar, although ongoing for quite some time, was also quite timely to the current events of the Arab Spring. Dictators are toppling down in the Arab world as people demand their freedom and their rights. The Egyptians called for "Freedom, Equity and Human Dignity". During the seminar I was invited to give a presentation on "Egypt's Popular Uprising, the Challenges and the Prospects for Freedom" during which we discussed: Why January 25th? What were the demands? Who called for the demonstration? And the challenges and divides, and the opportunities for change. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

"The People Demand" – Foundation Launches Political Documentary on January 25 Revolution

2011

"The People Demand. Liberal Features of the Egyptian Revolution" is the title of a documentary film sponsored by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and launched during a public forum at Rawabit Cultural Center in Cairo on September 26, 2011. The film features historic pictures of Egypt's Revolution and commentary by leading representatives of the country's liberal movement who played an active role in the uprising.

"In Tahrir Square, all political powers unified under one thing: they all wanted democracy, freedom and true liberal values", says Dr. Osama Als Ghazali Harb, the former President of the liberal Democratic Front Party (DFP) "The January 25 Revolution was a direct expression of liberalism", he concludes.

More on "The People Demand"

Invitation: International Online Conference "Facebook Revolutions? The Role of Social Media for Political Change in the Arab World" (September 19 to 30, 2011)

2011

Nine months after the beginning of the "Arab Spring" this conference will take stock: What has been the role of the media – particularly the social media - in bringing down dictators in the Arab word? Do these media promote democracy, freedom of expression and free access to information? Or – as others have argued: Is the role of social media exaggerated?

We think it is appropriate to discuss these issues in the context of an international online conference and kindly invite you to join us. Among our resource persons will be bloggers from Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco and Syria as well as other international experts. The official languages will be English and German. Participation is FREE.

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/ofsbni

Report by Ahmad Afifi on the seminar Conflict Prevention and Conflict Management (27 February - 11 March 2011)

2011

The seminar held at the headquarters of the IAF Academy in Germany was very useful:

1. Participants:

There were many distinguished participants from almost twenty countries from the Middle East, North and Central Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, which was a great opportunity for sharing experience among the participants, and enriched interactive discussions and dialogue among the trainees. There was also representation from countries with conflicts and struggles, such as the Arab world – fortunately the seminar was held after the Egyptian revolution, which gave the discussions a special flavor. Furthermore, some other countries suffered from international conflicts, such as Pakistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Indonesia. As such the selection of representatives was very significant and helpful. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Shadi Talaat on the seminar Human and Civil Rights (28 November – 10 December 2010)

2011

Review of the program:

• Introduction of the IAF and FNF.
• Issues of human rights in the countries of the participants.
• Liberalism, its definition, and basic characteristics.
• Human rights from a liberal viewpoint.
• International human rights covenants and documents.
• Clash of cultures and customs and worldviews.
• Rule of law. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Muhammad Maher on the seminar Human and Civil Rights (28 November – 10 December 2010)

2011

The seminar held in the IAF Academy involved many valuable sessions and presentations. Most importantly perhaps was the introduction to liberalism and human rights from a liberal perspective. The most significant international human rights documents and instruments were reviewed and compared and contrasted. Moreover, the issue of the dialectic relationship between liberalism and human rights was addressed, as well as the definition of secularism and other issues.

The seminar discussed the problematic nature of human rights and the widespread discussion on relativism versus universality in this regard, and the relationship between human rights, on the one hand, and customs and traditions on the other. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Muhammad Sa'ad on the seminar Politics and Civil Society: Political Parties and NGOs (18 – 30 July 2010)

2011

1. I attended the seminar as a representative of the liberal Ghad Party as a result of ranking first in the essay-writing competition. 2. The topic was well prepared theoretically and academically. Also, the logistics and accommodation were properly organized. 3. Trainers were very knowledgeable and ably communicated with the participants and managed discussions with a great skill. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Online Seminar on "Strengthening Political Youth Organizations": Call for Applications

2011

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation's International Academy for Leadership (IAF) invites activists of political youth organizations to join the online seminar on "Strengthening Political Youth Organizations". The seminar will be from 19 September – 16 October 2011. For more information on the topic, please click here.

The seminar is divided into three phases. In the first part, participants are given materials to read to deepen their knowledge and are encouraged to discuss via an online forum their thoughts and insights. Participants will then be asked to write an essay. Based on their contribution, IAF will invite selected participants for the second and third phases. The second part is a preparatory phase for the on-site seminar (third phase) in Gummersbach, Germany to continue the discussions from 04 – 16 December 2011.

The seminar does not require participants to be online at all times. They have the flexibility to work at their own pace provided they meet the deadlines assigned to each task.

Application procedure: Please e-mail letters of intent outlining responsibilities and relevance to the seminar applied for and CVs to egypt@fnst.org. The deadline for submission of applications is Wednesday; 24 August, 2011. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

FNF's Regional Office in Cairo will only evaluate applications from Egypt. If you live in another country, please contact the Foundation's office in your country or nearest to your country.

Challenges and Chances for Egypt's Liberals (New Liberal Library Addition)

2011

Liberalism in one of the four political mainstreams in Egypt. The others are nationalism, socialism and Islamism. As would be expected in a democratic system, to which this country is morphing, political parties mirror these ideological camps. In the liberal camp, the party with the big tradition is the Wafd, which played a decisive role in Egyptian politics of the first half of the last century — also termed the liberal era. This historic period refutes the allegation that Egypt and the Egyptians are not compatible with liberal rule. While the Wafd continues to have a sizeable following, many liberal activists have complained that during the Revolution the party failed to express unconditional support for the uprising. Critics also mention internal infighting and a lack of a clear programmatic liberal vision.

Read Full Article

This commentary by the Regional Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) was published in the Daily News Egypt on May 27, 2011.

Arab Bloggers Meet and Strategize at Cairo Workshop

2011

Bloggers from all parts of the Arab world came together in Cairo from May 20 to 22, 2011 for a workshop entitled "Blogging for Freedom in the Arab world". Co-sponsored by the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) and the Rights and Democracy organization of Canada, the three-day event aimed at creating a network of Arab citizen journalists and providing spaces for exchanges of experiences and opinion. In Cairo, just a few steps away from Tahrir Square, the bloggers also engaged in strategic discussions on how best they could support the democratic revolutions and uprisings with their personal online media

More on Arab Bloggers Workshop

International Liberal Support for Arab Revolutions at Cairo Conference

2011

The most important international organizations assembled in Cairo from May 5 to 7, 2011 in order to deliver a clear message: the international liberal movement supports the popular uprisings and revolutions in the Arab world. Present at the three-day conference were the leaders of Liberal International, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) in the European Parliament, the European Liberal Democratic Reform Party (ELDR), the world federation of liberal youth IFLRY, the African Liberal Network (ALN) and – as co-organizers – the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL).

More on International Liberal Support for Arab Revolutions

Online Seminar on "Human and Civil Rights": Call for Applications

2011

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation's International Academy for Leadership (IAF) invites human rights activists, lawyers and politicians active in the human rights field to join an online seminar on "Human and Civil Rights". The seminar will be from 06 June – 03 July 2011. For more information on the topic, please click here.

The seminar is divided into three phases. In the first part, participants are given materials to read to deepen their knowledge and are encouraged to discuss via an online forum their thoughts and insights. Participants will then be asked to write an essay. Based on their contribution, IAF will invite 24 participants for the second and third phases. The second part is a preparatory phase for the on-site seminar (third phase) in Gummersbach, Germany to continue the discussions from 14 – 26 August 2011.

The seminar does not require participants to be online at all times. They have the flexibility to work at their own pace provided they meet the deadlines assigned to each task.

Application procedure: Please e-mail letters of intent outlining responsibilities and relevance to the seminar applied for and CVs to egypt@fnst.org. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

FNF's Regional Office in Cairo will only evaluate applications from Egypt. If you live in another country, please contact the Foundation's office in your country or nearest to your country. The deadline for submission of applications is 18 May 2011.

Successful Blogging Project To Go Regional At Cairo Conference

2011

After one busy year in Egypt, our successful blogging project "Express Yourself and Be Free" is moving on and becoming international. Next step of this project organized by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in co-operation with the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights and the support of Rights and Democracy of Canada is a three-days-conference which we hope will bring together (prolific) bloggers from all parts of the Arab world. Titled "Blogging for Freedom in the Arab World", this conference will be held in Cairo from May 20 to 22, 2011 and include a series of interesting meetings and workshops – all aimed at enhancing citizen journalism, sharing experiences and learning from each other..

At this stage, we wish to invite Arab bloggers to apply. Successful applicants should have a proven track record in blogging. Together with a motivation letter applicants should send a link to their blog to cairoblogging@gmail.com

For a draft of the program go here

Foundation Awards Grants in "Be Tolerant"- campaign

2011

Three grantees of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty's (FNF) call for proposals aimed at promoting tolerance in Egypt have been selected. From the more than thirty entries, the Foundation selected three proposals which were considered innovative and suitable of bringing across the message of tolerance.

FNF had launched the "Be Tolerant"- campaign in reaction to the deadly attack against a church in Alexandria on New Year's eve which caused the death of many innocent people. "Tolerance – or to use another word: acceptance of the other – is one of the most important liberal principles and a cornerstone of every peaceful and just society", we wrote in our announcement.

More about the Winners

World Liberal Leaders to Discuss Democratic Transition at Cairo Conference

2011

The Conference "Transition to Democracy in the Arab World. Historic Challenges and Liberal Responses" to be held in Cairo on May 6 and 7, 2011 is the first major international event organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) together with Egyptian and international liberal partners after the democratic revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt and the ensuing popular uprisings in other parts of the Arab world.

The event aims at demonstrating the solidarity of the international liberal family with the revolution(s) and providing a structured forum for in depth information and discussion of the historic events, their implications and liberal responses to the new challenges. We are happy to have as our international partners Liberal International, the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and the European Liberal and Reform Party (ELDR). Check out the draft program. We invite you to send us an application if you are interested in attending this important political conference

Online Seminar on "Liberalism Today – Freedom First": Call for Applications

2011

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s International Academy for Leadership (IAF) invites young liberal leaders from politics, economy and administration to join an online seminar on "Liberalism Today – Freedom First". The seminar will be from 21 February – 20 March 2011. For more information on the topic, please click here.

The seminar is divided into three phases. In the first part, participants are given materials to read to deepen their knowledge and are encouraged to discuss via an online forum their thoughts and insights. Participants will then be asked to write an essay. Based on their contribution, IAF will invite 24 participants for the second and third phases. The second part is a preparatory phase for the on-site seminar (third phase) in Gummersbach, Germany to continue the discussions from 08 – 20 May 2011.

The seminar does not require participants to be online at all times. They have the flexibility to work at their own pace provided they meet the deadlines assigned to each task.

Application procedure: Please e-mail letters of intent outlining responsibilities and relevance to the seminar applied for and CVs to egypt@fnst.org. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

FNF's Regional Office in Cairo will only evaluate applications from Egypt. If you live in another country, please contact the Foundation's office in your country or nearest to your country. The deadline for submission of applications is 31 January 2011.

Job vacancy

2011

The Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in Cairo is in need of a

Regional Program Coordinator

who will be responsible for initiating, coordinating and managing the regional programs of the Foundation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Regional Program Coordinator is expected to perform the following tasks:

- Cooperation and communication with partner organisations in the region and also Egyptian institutions and individuals involved in regional programs. Continue reading...

Report by Bassem Fathy Mohmed Aly on the seminar Globalization and Market Economy (10 – 22 October)

2009

Themes of the seminar:

- Globalization and the crisis from a local perspective
- Revision of globalization
- Globalization and the crisis
- Globalization, the crisis excluded
- Stepping out of the crisis Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Hossam Eldin Ali Ahmed on the seminar Politics and Civil Society: Political Parties and NGOs (18 – 30 July)

2009

The seminar focused on the role of political parties and NGOs in society, and the means of strengthening potential cooperation amongst them. Also, the characteristics of both political parties and NGOs were discussed as well strengths and weaknesses, and means of collaboration to reach a democratic liberal society.Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Ahmad Salah on the seminar "Strategic Planning" (6 -18 June 2010)

2009

I was honored by the opportunity to participate in the Strategic Planning Workshop organized by IAF Academy held in Gummersbach and the beautiful city of Hamburg in the period between 6th and 18th of June 2010. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Report by Brigitte Azmi Zaki on the seminar "Liberalism Today – Freedom First" (2-14 May)

2009

It was a golden opportunity for me to have been selected to participate in a seminar titled "Liberalism Today- Freedom First" held during the period 3-14 May 2010 in Theodor Heuss Academy in the town of Gummersbach, Germany. Against a rich cultural tapestry, 25 participants from around the world gathered to get introduced to the true meaning of liberalism through a 12-day program that has been well-designed, during which I have gained much expertise and experience, and was able to build a network with colleagues from Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Mediterranean countries, and Asia. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2011 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Blogging Project Ends with a Big Party

2009

“Blogging against Climate Change”, the joint program of the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Libery (FNF) and the Bilbliotheca Alexandina (BA) aimed at raising the awareness about the dangers of the change of the climate among Egyptian citizen journalists came to a happy end with a big party in Cairo. Some seventy participants of the courses from all parts of the country came together on the Imperial Boat on the Nile River to celebrate the successful conclusion of the series. ON this occasions, the writers of the three best blogs were given cash prizes. A professional committee of judges had made the selection.

More on Blogging Project Ends with a Big Party

Foundation’s Publications Get Big Boost With Official Reprints

2009

Two liberal works in the Arabic language published by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty’s (FNF) Cairo Office have received a major boost after the official "Family Library" project reprinted them in large numbers . "Family Library" recently reprinted 5000 copies of each of the two books "Woman and Mirror" and "Liberalism in the Arab World". These books had first been published by Al-Mahrousa Center for Publishing, Journalism Services and Information in cooperation with FNF in the frame of the series "Liberal Publications". The two books are on sale at a more or less symbolic price of LE 2.00 each at newsstands in all Egyptian governorates.

More on Foundation’s Publications Get Boost

Turkish and Arab Politicians Meet for Liberal Dialogue Forum in Istanbul

2009

Liberal politicians and intellectuals from Turkey and the Arab world assembled on the outskirts of Istanbul from November 5 to 7, 2010 for the first Turkish-Arab Liberal Dialogue Forum. Recent developments in Turkey and Ankara’s foreign policy initiatives have aroused much interest also in the Arab world. The objective of this forum was to discuss these developments in a liberal Arab-Turkish framework. The delegates were mainly senior officials and politicians from liberal political parties, academicians and liberal intellectuals with the Arab delegates representing member parties of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL).

More on Liberal Dialogue Forum in Istanbul

Cairo Conference Discusses Economic Freedom of the Arab World

2009

The 2010 Economic Freedom of the Arab World Report was launched in Cairo at the 5^th Economic Freedom of the Arab World Conference entitled "Roadmap to Economic Freedom and Economic reforms".

The three-day-event was organized by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in cooperation with the Fraser Institute of Canada and the International Research Foundation (IRF) of Oman and the independent Egyptian business daily Al Mal as official media partner.

More on Economic Freedom of the Arab World

New Book on Liberalism in the Arab History of Thought (Printed in Arabic)

2009

"Liberalism in the Arab History of Thought" is part of the successful series "Liberal Texts" which the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) publishes in cooperation with Mahrousa Publishers in Cairo.

The 180-page book edited by German scholar Clemens Recker presents some of the most prominent historic thinkers of the Arab world and their ideas on freedom, the rule of law, market economy, secularism, democracy and women’s rights.

The editor’s main argument is that these texts clearly show that liberalism is not alien to the Arab world.

for more info, Please click here.

Economic Freedom of the Arab World Conference: Call for Applications

2009

Join us for the 5^th Economic Freedom of the Arab World Conference in Cairo on November 1 and 2, 2010. This international conference aims at providing a forum for economists and other decision makers who believe in the basic liberal assumption that economic freedom is beneficial for society. Well-known speakers from the Arab world and beyond will tackle issues related to the conference theme “Roadmap to Economic Freedom and Economic Reforms”.

The conference is organized by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in partnership with the Egyptian Junior Business Association (EJB), the International Research Foundation (IRF) of Oman and the Fraser Institute with the Egyptian business daily Al Mal as official media partner. We invite friends of the Foundation with an interest in the topic to apply for participation. Program and registration form are here.

German, Egyptian Journalists Discuss Role of Media in Dialogue of Cultures

2009

In a panel discussion entitled "Firebrand or Mediator? The Media and the Dialogue of Cultures", leading media personalities from Germany and Egypt discussed the role of the media in the dialogue between cultures.

Co-organized by Deutsche Welle, the German International Broadcasting Corporation, and the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) the event took place on the occasion of the visit of Erik Betterman, Managing Director of Deutsche Welle, to Cairo.

More Media and the Dialogue of Cultures

Egyptians Prefer Liberal Values, Regional Director Says in Interview

2009

In an interview with Egyptian economic newspaper Al Mal, Dr. Ronald Meinardus, the Regional Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in Cairo, said that "a majority of Egyptians is favourable of basic liberal values" and would support liberal forces in case these would united ahead of the upcoming elections. He said that training elections observers was not on the top of FNF’s priorities and that the Foundation has not received requests for such programs until now.

"As most of our trainings aim at encouraging young people to engage in political life, of course the elections take up much space in our activities." Dr. Meinardus spelled out the long term objectives of FNF in the region which is the promotion of liberal principles and stated that so far the economic crisis has not had a negative effect on the available funds for educative projects. The full text of the newspaper’s write-up of the interview

Report by Nezar Nabil Esamy on the seminar Freedom And Private Property (11-18 March 2010)

2009

First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ms. Birgit Lamm and the staff of “Theodor Heuss Academy” for their outstanding support towards us during the Iceland volcano crises that delayed all our flights for a couple of weeks. They have sheltered us in the academy and made us feel more than welcome till the airports started operating again. The eruption of the Iceland volcano did not only ground flights across Europe, but also had a significant impact on seminar activities at the “Theodor Heuss Academy”. It created a community from different people from all over the world, co-existing and doing many activities that bonded them together as a family, and I was lucky enough to be part of that family. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2010 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Supporting Citizen Journalism in Egypt: Second Call for Applications

2009

"Supporting Citizen Journalism in Egypt" is a new project co-sponsored by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNRF) in Cairo in cooperation with Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) and the support of the Rights & Democracy organization of Canada.

Citizen journalism – or publications of texts, videos or audio via the Internet by anyone who is capable of using these technical means - has become an important tool for self-expression and sharing uncensored information.

This project aims at strengthening this new media by training bloggers (and those who aspire to become bloggers) and providing them with important and state of the art information. The project also aims at establishing and strengthening the cooperation between journalists working in the traditional media and bloggers. More details.

Foundation Kicks Off New Arab-European Civil Society Dialogue

2009

The promotion of a political dialogue between members of civil societies in Europe and the Arab world is an important objective of the project work of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Together with liberal political parties NGOs pushing a liberal agenda are the main partners of the Foundation in this part of the world.

In cooperation with the Foundation these groups are striving for more freedom of expression, the rule of law and the freedom of assembly and association – to name but the most important political rights.

"The Freedom of Association is a precondition for non-violent political participation and thus also political reforms", argues Dr. Ronald Meinardus, FNF’s Regional Director in Cairo. For several years, the Foundation has sponsored a regional project aimed at promoting the freedom of association in selected Arab states. Members of the recently established Arab Council for the Freedom of Association have now participated in a visiting program to Germany sponsored by FNF: In Berlin, the delegation got a first-hand and in depth overview of the constitutional, legal and also political handling of this basic political right in Germany. The Arab NGO leaders spoke with government officials, police officers, legal experts, party politicians and civil society members.

"If you look at the texts, our constitutions are very similar", said Dr. Arous Zoubeir from Algeria. "The main difference between Germany and our part of the world is that in Germany the constitution is applied. This is not the case in our countries."

Not a One-Time Event

Following the program in Berlin, the group joined an international conference at the Foundation’s headquarters titled "Civil Society in Europe and the Arab World – Towards a Sustainable Dialogue".

That this dialogue should not be a one-time-event was highlighted by Manfred Richter, Member of FNF’s Board of Directors. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Richter suggested that the European-Arabic Dialogue would be held annually at different locations. Promoting civil society – the FNF official added – is not a "temporary mood, but a central component of liberal philosophy". Continue Foundation Kicks Off New Arab-European Civil Society Dialogue

Report by Inas Taha on the seminar Strategic Political Communication (21-28 March 2010)

2009

I would like to thank FNST for allowing me the opportunity of joining this program that gave me the chance of acquiring very important experience that no one can have access to through specialized books or local discussions, and for tapping on to many practical experiences of the participants from different parts of the world, which really contributed to enriching my experience and knowledge. . Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2010 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Arab Liberal Leaders Study Party Organization in Germany

2009

A delegation of leaders of member parties and observers of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) is visited Germany for a study tour titled "The Organization of Modern Political Parties". Sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) the main objective of the one-week program has been to introduce to the Arab party leaders the internal organizational structures and procedures of a modern European liberal Party – the Free Democratic Party of Germany or FDP. A further objective was to discuss all issues related to electoral politics and strategies and campaigning.

The Arab delegation was headed by Mr. Mohamed Tamaldou, the President of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) and main regional partner of the Foundation in the Arab world.

From Egypt, Dr. Osama Ghazali Harb, Member of the Shoura Council and President of the Democratic Front Party joined the group as did Mr. Wael Nawara, Vice President of the liberal Al Ghad Party.

While in Berlin, the delegation visited FNF’s headquarters for talks with Mr. Manfred Richter, member of the Board of Directors, who is also a successful campaign manager. The delegates spent many hours in sessions with senior members of the FDP, discussing among others internal statutes and party organization, fundraising and campaign financing and membership mobilization. The group also participated in a session of the foreign policy committee of the Free Democratic Party’s parliamentary group in the Bundestag, the federal German parliament. There, the Arab politicians were given the floor to share with the German parliamentarians some of their major political concerns.

One important objective of the program was to give the Arab guests a first-hand impression of the highly decentralized political system of the Federal Republic of Germany. This decentralization is also reflected in the organizational structure of the major political parties, which have more or less self-governing units on the municipal, the regional and the national levels. The group travelled to the regional capital of Düsseldorf for talks with regional and municipal party leaders. This being election time in the federal state of North Rhine Westfalia, the group witnessed the final days of the electoral campaign and also visited a polling station on election day.

"The visit was successful beyond measure. It helped the Arab leaders see and learn from the German experience in democracy", said NAL-President Mohamed Tamaldou in a statement at the end of the visit. Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus highlighted another point: "This one-week tour has also strengthened the bonds of friendship between senior leaders of the Arab Network and the Foundation and this personal dimension is crucial for our work."

On the sidelines of the visiting program, the Arabic Program of Radio Deutsche Welle hosted a panel discussion with members of the delegation on liberalism in the Arab world. You may listen to the 30-minute-program here.

At Tunis Workshop, Arab Liberal Youth Discuss Strategies and Form Bonds for the Future

2009

Twenty-six liberal youth leaders from the Arab world came together in Tunis from April 26 to 29, 2010 for a workshop entitled "Strategies to Empower and to Strengthen liberal youth organizations in the Arab world".

Organized by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in cooperation with the Foundation’s office in Tunis and co-sponsored by the Parti Social Liberal (PSL) of Tunisia, the three-day activity brought together young liberal activists from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon.

"Strengthening liberal political organizations is a strategic priority of our programs in the Arab world", said FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus in his welcoming remarks. "We are particularly fond of our strong relations with the liberal youth organizations as they will play an important role in the future of their countries", he said. Speaking on behalf of the Tunisian co-hosts, PSL Secretary General Monder Thabet called the youth "a leading force for progress that needs to be taken seriously". Thabet also said that his party is keen on building the capacities of the young party-members and, therefore, welcomes the opportunities provided by the Foundation.

The Tunis workshop is part of a series of FNF sponsored educative programs aimed at strengthening the network of liberal Arab youth organizations associated with liberal political parties. Typically, FNF also cooperates with these groups on the respective country level. Discussing liberal values and principles in an Arab context was an important issue in Tunis, where – after intensive debates – the group agreed on a set of definitions for the most important liberal principles. As a spin-off of these discussions, FNF will support the publication of a book featuring and documenting the liberal values as perceived (and shared) by the liberal youth leaders in Tunis. Organizational issues and the relationship between youth wings and mother parties were also given much time for discussion: Here, the delegates were particularly interested in the legal and organizational framework successful youth groups work in: case studies from Morocco, Egypt and Lebanon served as a point of departure for engaged debates.

Bonds for the Future

Board members of the Union of Arab Liberal Youth (UALY), which was set up last year in Cairo, attended the Tunis event and benefited from the opportunity to promote the network and discuss future plans and activities. On day three, the delegates engaged in strategic planning and discussed weaknesses and strengths and developed plans aimed at empowering their groups. Judging from the evaluation at the end, the program was a big success: "The atmosphere was simply excellent, all participants were eager and committed to learn and we established bonds that will carry on into the future" wrote one participant from Palestine.

One key to the success, the participants agreed, were the modern facilitation methods applied by the moderators, Mrs. Amira Hussein, FNF’s Regional Coordinator and Mr. Abdallah Hendawy, Program Officer of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) in Cairo. "We were really thrilled by the enthusiasm and passion of this group", said Amira Hussein who is looking forward to be part of a follow-up activity with the same target-group planned for later in the year in Jordan.

Report by Shady Eladl on the seminar Liberalism and Religiosity (9-17 March 2010)

2009

In the beginning I would like to thank FNF for the training and seminars they conduct to foster the youth interested in public matters and provide them with new and useful experience, which is both socially and culturally positive for all trainees.

The seminar held 7-19 March 2010 titled "Liberalism and Religiosity" that addressed several issues including the relationship between religion and the state, and religion and freedoms, was very fruitful for both the participants and the facilitators alike. In fact, a seminar with 20 different participants from various political, religious, and cultural backgrounds is very profitable. The diversity of the participants enriched the meeting and the exchange amongst them. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2010 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

FNF sponsors Publications of Database on Egyptian Reform Movements

2009

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty’s (FNF) Regional Office in Cairo has for the past years cooperated with the Egyptian Information Technology Support Center in an effort to make comprehensive information on political reform initiatives and social movements in this country available online. You may find this valuable data at our partner’s main website http://www.id3m.com.

To make the data available also in printed form, our partners have published four comprehensive bibliographies on "Freedom of Press and of Expression", "Political Parties and Syndicates", "Civil Society" and "Social Movements".

The books contain bibliographical data and abstracts from journalistic articles, academic papers, NGO publications and books published during the past ten years.

The books have been published at Merit Publishing House. If you are interested, you can buy it at the Merit book store, or send an e-mail to egypt@fnst.org and let us know which of the books we should send you by mail for FREE.

Report by Ahmad Fahmy Abdullah on the seminar "No Education, No Freedom" (7 – 19 February 2010)

2009

For personal freedom and social justice based on respecting the rights of human beings in any state to be strong, it needs to be largely supported by education for all, irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, or religion.

Such were the main principles we were introduced to in the Theodor Heuss Academy in Gummersbach, Germany during the seminar entitled "No Education, No Freedom" organized by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2010 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

Arab Liberals Discuss Role of Parliaments and Migration at Rabat Conference

2009

Senior members of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) convened in Rabat on March 26 and 27, 2010 for a conference titled "Parliaments in the Arab World. Chances and Challenges for Liberal Political Parties". The opening ceremony was held in the main hall of the Assembly of Councillors, the Upper House of the Moroccan Parliament.

It was the first time the Network held a session in an Arab parliament – and, consequently, more than one speaker highlighted the historic importance and the political symbolism of the event.

"I want to pay tribute and respect to the Arab Liberals", said Hans van Baalen, Member of the European Parliament and President of Liberal International, the world federation of liberal political parties. "We need cooperation, together we can solve problems, alone we cannot", he said. On the sidelines of his visit to Rabat, van Baalen held political talks with the leaders of the Moroccan liberal parties. These constitute a formidable force in their country and also in parliament.

In his welcoming remarks, Mohamed Abied, the President of Union Constitutionnelle said that Morocco’s "modernization needs a strong liberal component". Mohaned Lanser, Minister in the Royal Government and Secretary General of the Mouvement Populaire, said that Moroccan liberals "are proud of the renaissance of liberal thought". He also said: "We are proud to see that this liberal family is extending to all Arab countries".

In their discussions on the chances and challenges of parliamentary politics in the Arab world, the delegates – most of them sitting or former members of parliament themselves – painted a bleak picture of the situation in their countries: There was a general consensus that most Arab governments do not concede the space that is needed for genuine political competition.

This has lead to a diminished role of the opposition parties, thus, in turn, effectively eliminating the prerequisites for a peaceful transfer of power from the ruling party. In a programmatic paper, the delegates plead for a stronger role of parliaments in their respective countries as an independent power in a system of checks and balances; they demand transparent and representative elections and an end to the domination of political life by the ruling party. They also ask for a stronger role of women, the youth and minorities in the respective parliaments and uncensored access to the media, which remain under governmental control in many countries.

Human Rights for Migrants

While in Rabat, the Arab liberal politicians continued their dialogue on migration issues with a high level delegation of the European Liberal Democrat Reform Party (ELDR) led by their Vice President Marc Guerrero. This session followed a joint workshop last November in the European Parliament in Brussels where NAL and ELDR had set out to find common positions in the migration issue. The two sides now issued a joint statement in which they emphasize the importance of protecting the human rights of migrants and call upon the European states to balance between security considerations and issues of development. They also call on their governments to strengthen efforts to develop legal channels of migration and raise awareness among prospective immigrants regarding the economic, social and political situation in Europe.

Read the full text of the Joint Statement between the Network of Arab Liberals and the European Liberal Democratic Party on Migration

You may also view the speech by FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus and other speeches held at the opening of the conference at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ_mG5KGewc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWA-LUj4MXs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pMXiKMxv8c

Egypt’s Liberal History Features High in New Documentary

2009

Some two-hundred Egyptians from all walks of life joined the launching event of the documentary film entitled "Liberalism: An Egyptian Story" on March 4, 2010 at the Al Sawy Culturewheel in Zamalek/Cairo. The ten-minute-documentary is part of the ongoing campaign "I am liberal" of the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in Cairo which aims at supporting Egyptians and their organizations communicate to a wider public their liberal ideas and principles. Following the screening of the film, which was shortened to ten minutes so that it may be distributed on the Foundation’s You Tube Channel, Egyptian liberal youth activists joined a panel discussion on the challenges and chances of liberalism in their country.

The evening in the crammed full cultural centre wrapped up with a public debate; many participants from various ideological streams posed questions and made personal comments related to liberalism in this part of the world. In this lively debate two important points were emphasized again and again:

Challenges of liberalism

First, speakers pointed out that Egypt very well has her own liberal tradition. As documented also in the film, this phase of the country’s history came to a sudden end in 1952 when the military took power. A second point that most speakers agreed with: Today many – if not most – Egyptians do not have a clear understanding of what liberalism stands for, many even consider it to be a foreign concept: "If a person on the street hears the word liberalism, he will think it is something American", said Ahmed Samieh, the coordinator of the Internet Radio-Station Horytna.net who cooperated in the project.

Overcoming the (false) notion that the ideas of freedom are un-Egyptian or even un-Islamic, as some argued, may be termed the main strategic challenge of the Egyptian liberal movement. The film goes a long way to counter this perception: "When somebody says liberalism is against religion, he doesn’t know what liberalism is and he also doesn’t know what religion is about", says Sheehab Waggeh, the leader of the youth organization of the liberal Democratic Front Party (DFP), one of the Egyptian liberal parties featured in the film and a political partner of FNF.

FNF organized the launching ceremony in cooperation with three media partners: Internet radio Hoytna.net, the mass circulation daily newspaper Al Dostour and the news channel ON TV. Hundreds of CD-copies were distributed to the mostly youthful audience: "It is our clear objective to get the liberal message out to as many people as possible", said the Foundation’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus and added that the documentary together with the campaign "I am liberal" focus mainly on the Egyptian youth. "To reach the young people, we must use the modern media they prefer – and we believe that this film is a suitable way to do just that."

The Foundation plans to show the documentary in other parts of Egypt. Send us an email and get your FREE copy of the CD.

View "Liberalism: An Egyptian Story" here

Documentary "Liberalism: An Egyptian Story" to be launched on March 4

2009

The documentary film "Liberalism – An Egyptian Story" will be aired for the first time at a public event at Al Sawy Culturewheel in Cairo/Zamalek (Book Hall) on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 19:00 p.m. The documentary aims as presenting recent Egyptian history from a clear liberal perspective. It features important historical events and commentary by liberal Egyptian politicians and activists.

Following the presentation of the film, members of liberal youth organizations featured in the documentary will join a panel discussion on "Liberalism in Egypt – Challenges and Chances".

The documentary and the panel discussion are part of campaign titled "I am liberal" which is sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty’s Cairo office. The aim of this campaign is to support liberal Egyptians to voice their liberal perspectives to a wider audience and to create public spaces for the discussion and dissemination of liberal principles and values. In the context of this campaign, the Foundation has supported liberal publications, seminars and workshops and also the production and dissemination of audio-visual media. The campaign is ongoing and we welcome creative project proposals.

"Liberalism – An Egyptian Story" has been written by Ahmad Naggy and produced in cooperation with I-Films. The launching of the film is supported by our media partners ON-TV, Al Dostour daily newspaper and horytna.net.

Foundation Affirms Support for Freedom of Association on National, Regional Level

2009

Once more, Cairo came to the fore of the civil society in the Arab world: More than one hundred delegates representing NGOs, political parties, labour unions, international human rights organizations and the European Union joined the Conference on "Freedom of Association. A Roadmap for the Future" organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) from February 10 to 12, 2010. The three-day event marked the formal ending of a three-years regional project aimed at promoting the freedom of association in the Arab world. This project has been supported by the European Union and was – in the initial phase – focused on Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria.

In a later stage project activities were also conducted in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. At the recent Cairo conference, FNF could welcome delegates from Bahrain, Yemen, Sudan and Mauritania. "This project has opened many new doors and the Foundation’s image in the Arab civil society has benefited considerably", said Ralf Erbel, FNF’s representative in Amman, who has headed the implementation.

Politically the project received a boost due to the close cooperation with the League of Arab States (LAS). Important meetings were hosted at the Cairo headquarters of the League. The initial and also the final conferences were held under the patronage of LAS-Secretary General Amr Mousa thus giving the project additional political impetus. "The Arab League has opened the door to dialogue with civil society", said Mrs. Nancy Bakeer, the newly appointed Commissioner for Civil Society, at the opening of the conference.

During the three-years project FNF and LAS extended their relations. Both sides have agreed to cooperate in a united effort aimed at promoting dialogue between the European and Arab civil societies. A first joint activity is planned for this summer in Potsdam, Germany.

Continue Foundation Affirms Support

Report by Khulud Sabir Barakat on the seminar "Civil and Human Rights from a Political Perspective" (29 November – 11 December 2009)

2009

Twenty-one participants from all over the world – Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America – participated in the program. The workshop was held for 12 days covering an array of the most important topics and controversial questions related to human rights. We started with the human rights problems and the political climate in the various countries represented through working in groups on the regional agreements / conventions on human rights. After that we moved to discussing the concept of liberalism and its meaning to each and every one of us, as well as the main features of the concept and their relation to the basic concepts of human rights. Continue reading...

- Other reports by Egyptian participants of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

- 2010 Program of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF)

"I am a Liberal"-Project: Five Winning Applicants to Receive Support for Innovative Concepts

2009

Following the award-winning essay writing contest "Why I am a Liberal", the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty’s (FNF) Cairo office has published a call for proposal inviting liberal Egyptian individuals and organizations to submit innovative and creative concepts aimed at promoting liberalism particularly among the young generations. All in all 28 proposals were submitted, and we are pleased to announce that of these five have been selected for our sponsorship:

The awarded projects are the following:

A two-day workshop in Fayoum for authors of children books entitled "Promoting liberal values among Egyptian children" in cooperation with the Literature Club House Snuris.

A ten-minute documentary film entitled "Liberalism – An Egyptian Story" submitted by Mr. Ahmad Naggy.

A series of booklets containing reference documents on Egyptian political and social movements and political parties and political freedoms. In cooperation with Daam.

A one-day conference in Cairo entitled "The Role of the Egyptian Media in Promoting Liberalism". This proposal was submitted by the "Egyptian Vision".

A two-day hands-on workshop entitled "The Internet and Human Rights" for human rights activists who wish to learn how to publish their own blogs and work with the social media. The proposal for this workshop which will be held in Assiut was submitted by the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR).

FNF would like to thank all the applicants for their proposals. "We were impressed by the quantity and also the quality of the proposals and it was a tough choice in the end", said FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus. He said that the Foundation is always looking for innovative and creative ideas aimed at promoting liberalism. In the new year, the Foundation plans to enhance educative activities using the new social media. "We believe that this is a field in which much more could and should be done in Egypt – and we intend to assist the liberal movement in this regard," said Dr. Meinardus.

Fourth Economic Freedom of the Arab World Conference Discusses Freedom and Social Justice

2009

The relationship between economic freedom and social justice was the theme of this year’s Economic Freedom of the Arab World Conference held in Marrakech on November 13 to 15, 2009. As in earlier years, this event was co-organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty’s Cairo Office, the Fraser Institute of Canada and the International Research Foundation of Oman. The Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Morocco Centre de Jeunes Dirigents D’Entreprise joined as local partners.

The findings of the 2009 Report on Economic Freedom of the Arab World were the point of reference in most presentations and discussions at this conference. The Report published annually by the Fraser Institute in cooperation with the IRF and FNF was launched in both English and Arabic at the beginning of the two-day conference. The data, once more, substantiates the core liberal message that there exists a correlation between the degree of economic freedom of a country and the level of economic development.

Bahrain first, Egypt tenth

For the first time, enough data was available to include Bahrain in the rankings, which had the best overall score in the 2009 report followed by Kuwait, Lebanon and Oman. Jordan ranks 5^th, Egypt 10^th and Morocco 11^th. According to the data, Algeria, Syria, Mauritania and Tunisia have the weakest levels of economic freedom in the Arab world.

Addressing the conference, Morocco’s Minister of Employment Jamal Aghmani gave an overview of his government’s reform initiatives that took up speed in the last decade. Although the minister was upbeat he conceded that much could still be done to improve the climate for private investment. As in other Arab nations, unemployment is a major challenge in Morocco.

According to World Bank estimates, 40 Million jobs need to be created in the Arab world to find employment for the expanding population. "The greatest single social program in the world is the creation of jobs", said Fred McMahon, Director of Globalization Studies at the Fraser Institute.

The delegates engaged in intensive discussions about social justice: To achieve this, redistribution of wealth is necessary, said Dr. Detmar Doering, head of the Liberal Institute of FNF. He went on to argue that the best way to promote social justice is to increase economic freedom as empirical data proved that personal income levels and life expectancy increase – and the danger of hunger decreases – if the level of economic freedom goes up in a society.

Speakers from various Arab countries pointed out that frequently economic liberalization in this part of the world is flawed as it does not come hand in hand with political reforms and the rule of law: They bemoaned widespread cronyism and a lack of transparency which limit equal opportunities and, also, damage the reputation of economic liberalization in the eyes of many people. "Political and economic liberalization must be two sides of one coin, if societies wish to achieve social progress", said FNF’s Regional Director, Dr. Ronald Meinardus.

The next annual conference on Economic Freedom of the Arab World should be held in Alexandria, the participants suggested in Marrakech.. They also proposed that they would then discuss the topic "Economic reforms in the Arab world: Reality or Myth?"

The 2009 Report is available online at:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/22464158/Economic-Freedom-of-the-Arab-World-2009-Annual-Report

Arab and European Liberals Discuss Migration Policies at Brussels Meetings

2009

A senior delegation of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) visited Brussels for meetings with the European Commission and liberal leaders at the European Parliament. The meetings were part of a program co-sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) entitled "Liberal Approaches to Sustainable Migration Policies in the Mediterranean Region". At the European Parliament (EP), the Arab delegation held talks with Mrs. Neyts-Uyttebroeck and Baroness Sarah Ludford, members of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).

In her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Neyts, who is also President of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR), stressed the importance of a political dialogue with the Network of Arab Liberals and praised NAL for what she called "extremely important and remarkable achievements" in developing programmatic principles for a liberal Arab migration policy.

Earlier, Mohamed Tamaldou, the President of the Network of Arab Liberals, had presented the so called Tunis principles on "Migration and Development". These state - among others - that "the relationship between the Arab world and Europe has a multidimensional strategic depth which requires from the liberal family an exceptional effort to fend off the threats of all forms of extremism through constructive and responsible dialogue". In her talk, Baroness Ludford highlighted the need for a common European migration policy: "We know that Europe needs migrants, but immigration must be well managed."

The two sides agreed to continue their dialogue on migration in a meeting which would be held in Morocco next spring. "Our Foundation is committed to promote the political dialogue between Arab and European liberals", said FNF-Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who accompanied the delegation to Brussels.

Liberal International Congress Convenes in Cairo, FNF Sponsors Various Activities on the Sidelines

2009

Well over two hundred senior members of liberal political parties from all parts of the world have signed up for the 56. Congress of Liberal International (LI) which will be held in Cairo from October 29 through November 1, 2009. The theme of this year’s Congress, the first ever to be held in Egypt, will be "Education in the 21st Century". This major international political event is hosted by the Egyptian Democratic Front Party (DFP) which has recently joined Liberal International and is an active member of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL), the regional political partner of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF).

As a liberal political institute, FNF has been an associate member of Liberal International for many years. FNF is strongly committed to the political and programmatic objectives of LI. FNF’s Regional Office in Cairo is planning a series of educative activities on the sideline of the Congress. "The aim of these activities is to strengthen the bonds between the international liberal movement and the Egyptian and other Arab liberal organizations and individuals", said Dr. Ronald Meinardus, FNF’s Regional Director. To achieve this objective, the Foundation is co-sponsoring workshops of the regional Arab liberal networks during the duration of the Congress, thereby enabling the members of these groups to meet and network with their international liberal colleagues.

Kicking off the series of activities will be a three-day workshop of the Union of Arab Liberal Youth (UALY) on "Internal Processes and Procedures" held in cooperation with the Liberal Democrats of the United Kingdom. Just two days later, the leaders of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) will convene in Cairo for a one-day workshop on "Freedom of Expression in the Arab World.The Media, the State and Political Parties" to be followed, the next day, by the group’s annual General Assembly. For the first time, a liberal delegation from Iraq will be present at a NAL event.

Networking For Freedom

Among the highlights of the various fringe meetings sponsored by FNF will be a half-day workshop on October 31, 2009 entitled "Networking for Freedom. From Regional Cooperation to Global Alliances?". There, senior members of liberal regional and international political networks will discuss their agendas, best practices and the strategic benefits of extending the regional liberal networks to global alliances. Among the political leaders who will speak at this event is Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, Member of the German Parliament and President of FNF.

Furthermore, in cooperation with Mahrousa Publishers, FNF will present two new Arabic language liberal publications: On October 30, 2009, wee will launch the book "The Program of Liberal International. Key Documents of the World Federation of Liberal Political Parties"; this is the first Arabic language compilation of the most important programmatic documents of Liberal International. Finally, on November 1, 2009, FNF will launch the book "Liberalism in the Arab World. Views and Perspectives of Political Practitioners"; this book contains essays and commentaries written by the leaders of the Network of Arab Liberals.

How To Join

While some of the activities during the Congress of Liberal International are only open to delegates who have duly registered, the workshops and book-presentations co-sponsored by FNF are open to invited guests also. Please send an email to egypt@fnst.org should you be interested in receiving a personal invitation to one of the mentioned activities.

For more information on the Congress of Liberal International go to: www.liberal-international.org

Arab Liberal Leaders Discuss Migration Issues in Tunis, Adopt joint Principles

2009

Senior members of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) gathered in Tunis on August 18-19, 2009 for a workshop entitled "Migration and Development. Liberal responses to the Challenges of Migration in the Arab World". During the two-day activity the political leaders presented and discussed current population and migration issues in the Arab world and adopted the "Tunis Declaration on Migration and Development".

This is a programmatic political document which will be the basis for further discussions which a senior delegation of the Network will hold with members of European liberal parties in early November. The aim of this effort, which is co-sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF), is to reach joint Arab-European policies regarding the issues of migration and development.

"The issues of migration and development are international in nature and can only be solved through international dialogue", said FNF-Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus in Tunis adding that liberal principles are suitable for solving many of the open issues at hand.

In their declaration, the Arab liberals bemoan what they term "the paradox of the age of globalization, which witnesses the free movement of capital and goods, on the one hand, and a rather increasing restriction of the natural movement of individuals". NAL regrets "the deterioration of the rights of immigrants in Europe" and – at the same time – supports the "opening of legitimate channels of immigration" citing the Tunisian-French Immigration Agreement as a best practice to be followed by others also.

"The history of mankind is based on immigration", said Wael Nawara of the Egyptian Liberal El Ghad Party. And in his opening statement, NAL president Mohammed Tamaldou reminded the participants that "US president Obama is the product of successful immigration and so is French president Nicolas Sarkozy". The Tunis workshop was hosted by the NAL-member Parti Social Liberal (PSL). Egypt was represented with senior delegates from NAL-members Democratic Front Party (DFP) and the Liberal El Ghad Party. For the first time, the United Democratic Liberal Party (UDLP) of Sudan attended an activity of the network. In Tunis, UDLP-president Nour Tawir Kafi expressed the interest of her party to join the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL).

FNF, National Council for Youth Renew Cooperation Agreement

2009

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the National Council for Youth (NCY) will continue their cooperation for the next three years. In a formal ceremony, FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus and NCY President Dr. Safi-eddin Kharboush signed a protocol that stipulates that the two institutes will continue for another three year period their joint project entitled "Improving Civic Education Techniques to Develop Citizenship for the Youth". This project originated in 2000 and is part of the efforts of FNF to promote modern and participatory methods of civic education in Egypt. In the protocol, the parties agree that the project aims at "increasing political participation" and "strengthening the culture of dialogue, accepting others and developing citizenship".

"At our heart, we are an institute of political education", said Dr. Meinardus and added that FNF was "very fond" of the cooperation with the Egyptian governmental institute. He thanked the NCY for the cooperation in the past and said that the Foundation is looking forward to continue the educative programs in the future.

Two Egyptian Youth Organizations Join International Liberal Federation at Beirut Conference

2009

The Free Youth Front, the youth organization of the Democratic Front Party, and the youth organization of the Al Ghad Party were accepted as candidate members of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), which held its Executive Committee meeting in Beirut on July 17-18, 2009. IFLRY is the association of some 90 liberal youth organizations from over 50 countries representing more than three million individuals.

The conference in Beirut was hosted by the Future Youth of Lebanon, the youth wing of the governing Future Movement. "This is a historical meeting, and a great step for us to engage with the Arab youth", said IFLRY president Paola Silva at the opening of the conference which was attended by some 100 activists from 30 countries. The Beirut meeting was the first held by IFLRY in the Arab world.

Saad Hariri, the leader of the Future Movement and designated prime minister of Lebanon welcomed the young delegates in his residence for a two hours audience during which he presented his vision and plans for promoting liberalism and democracy in this part of the world.

FNF sponsored the participation of delegates from Arab liberal youth organizations who are members of the newly established Union of Arab Liberal Youth (UALY). On the sidelines of the conference, UALY held a half-day workshop on "The Role of the Youth in Promoting Liberalism in the Arab World". At that event, which was co-sponsored by FNF, liberal youth leaders from Lebanon and Morocco presented their organizations’ role in recent electoral campaigns in their countries.

The successful Egyptian applications were presented by the president of the Free Youth Front, Mr. Shehab Waghib, and Mr. Mohamed Saad, senior member of the Al Ghad youth wing from Alexandria. "This is a historic step for Egypt’s liberal youth movement", said FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus, and added that FNF has all along been committed to promote the cooperation and networking of Egyptian and Arab liberal youth groups and their counterparts in the rest of the world. "I am particularly pleased that the Egyptians were greeted with open arms by their colleagues of IFLRY", Dr. Meinardus concluded.

International Liberal Youth to Convene in Beirut, FNF supports Networking effort

2009

It is expected to be a major event of the international liberal movement: For the first time, the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) will hold its annual Executive Committee Meeting in an Arab country. From July 15 though 19, 2009 close to one hundred liberal youth leaders from all parts of the world will be in Beirut for the IFLRY meeting. The Lebanese "Future Youth", who are members of IFLRY, will host this important political conference. FNF is a cosponsor and will support the participation of a large number of young Arab liberal leaders from the Union of Arab Liberal Youth (UALY): Said FNF Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus:" It is our objective to bring as many liberal youth leaders from our region to Lebanon as possible so that they may have the opportunity to network and mingle with liberals from other parts of the world. We are excited that IFLRY has chosen to come to Lebanon."

No less than six young leaders from Egypt will be joining: They are from the Egyptian Union of Liberal Youth (EULY), the first Egyptian member of IFLRY, from the Cairo Liberal Forum (CLF)) and the youth organizations of the Democratic Front Party (DFP) and the liberal Al Ghad party.

For more information on the Beirut event go to: www.iflry.org

At Award Ceremony, Joy and Hope for Egypt’s Liberal Youth

2009

More than 170 invitees filled the auditorium of the Sawy Cultural Centre in Zamalek/Cairo on the evening of June 16, 2009 for the award ceremony of the essay writing competition "Why I am liberal" jointly organized by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the Egyptian Union of Liberal Youth (EULY). An evening of suspense and joy - and a series of prominent liberal speeches culminated when Mr. Hani Abdel Malak of FNF announced the first winner of the competition: The first prize – an invitation to a leadership training in Germany – went to Mr. Mohamed Saad Mohamed, a young leader of the liberal Al Ghad Party from Alexandria for his essay "Liberalism is sustained by Flexibility".

Towards the end of the two hours event, Mr. Mohamed was joined on the stage by 17 other prize-winning authors. Their essays also are published in the book entitled "Why I am liberal. Youthful texts on liberalism" presented to the public during the ceremony. All the winners addressed the audience and gave short messages why they consider themselves liberals. Their winning essays deal with various subjects - political, social and also personal: "I chose liberalism because I am a woman," is the title of the work by Ms. Hind Hassan, or: "Whoever is different is not against me", argues Ms. Mariam Mourad Ali in another prize winning contribution.

Read the full report

New Book on Freedom for Egyptian NGOs

2009

"Towards a New Law for NGOs" is the title of a book recently published by the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) in co-operation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the financial support of the European Commission.

The publication contains summaries of the work of the "Egyptian Alliance for the Freedom of NGOs" launched by EOHR in March 2008 with the support of FNF and the declared objective to promote the freedom of association for civil society groups in Egypt. This educative campaign is a component of a regional project in which FNF and EOHR work together with an aim of promoting the freedom of association in selected Arab states.

The campaign targeted governorates in Upper and Lower Egypt, and the book summarizes the crucial issues discussed and points raised during the various meetings of the "Egyptian Alliance for the Freedom of NGOs". Among these are the concept of civil society in Egypt, the role of NGOs in society, the restrictions on their work and strategies to overcome them. Also included in the 116-page booklet is a draft-law that is compatible with the international human rights standards regarding freedom of association and that – according to the members of the "Egyptian Alliance for the Freedom of NGOs" - should replace the existing Law 84/2002 which they consider to be illiberal.

Copies of this publication have been sent to the members of the two houses of the Egyptian Parliament so that the representatives may take civil society’s position into consideration in their legislation.

"This project in Egypt is an important addition to our successful work on the regional level, and we hope the points raised by our partners from civil society will be taken into consideration in the political decision making process", said Amira Hussein, FNF-project coordinator at the Regional Office in Cairo.

The book has been edited by EOHR’s Nasshwa Nashaat. You may ask for a free copy by sending an email including your postal address to egypt@fnst.org.

And the Winners are: Liberal Essay Writing Results Out

2009

The committee of judges of the essay writing contest "Why am I a liberal" has concluded its mission and chosen the twenty best articles submitted. The names of the authors of the selected essays are listed below in alphabetical order (according to the transcription of the Arabic names).

The names of the three authors with the highest ranking, and thus the overall winners, will be announced at the reward ceremony in Cairo on June 16, 2009.

Following are the names of the twenty winning authors:

Ahmed Sayed Hussein Mohamed
Ismail Al-Nagar
Amir Abu Al-Yazed Moady
Ingy Abbas Abul Ezz
Belal Abdalla Saber Abdel Moneim
Doaa Atef Al-Atar
Diana Youssef
Synthia Farahat
Shady Mohamed Al-Rakhawy
Shehab Abdel Megid Wageh
Mohamed Al-Shemy
Mohamed Saad Mohamed
Mohamed Maher
Mohamed Magdy Mohamed Ahmed Abu Zeid
Moatz Mohamed Abdel Hamid Mahmoud Al-Masry
Mariam Mourad
Nany Mohamed
Hany Mohamed Al-Khayat
Hind Hassan
Walid Zamel Zoghir

FNF and the Egyptian Union for Liberal Youth (EULY) send a warm word of congratulation to the winners and also wishe to thank all the participants in this competition for their valuable contribution. The reward ceremony on June 16, 2009 will see also the launching of the book with the best essays. We intend to invite all the prize winners and their friends. All others interested in liberal discourse should also be at the Sawy Cultural Center in Zamalek on that evening.

"We are thrilled by the quality of some of the texts", said FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus. "The essays give us a good understanding of the thoughts and the dreams of the liberal Egyptian youth", he added.

FNF intends to translate the book into English for distribution among non-Arabic speaking readers. The Foundation and EULY are cooperating in this project with the daily newspaper El Masry El Youm and Radio Horytna as media partners. For more information visit: www.librali.net.

Arab Liberal Youth Establish Union at Cairo Conference

2009

Young political leaders from youth organisations and political parties met in Cairo from April 23 to 27, 2009 and following thorough and, at times, animated discussions and a series of votes formally established the Union of Arab Liberal Youth (UALY). The delegates represented youth wings of liberal parties and organizations who have joined hands in the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL). This group is the main political partner of the regional projects of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF). Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who addressed the young delegates and was present throughout the conference was pleased in the end: "This is a historic event for organized liberalism in this part of the world, as it will be up to the young generation to set the political pace in the future."

The delegates had come to Cairo with a clear mandate of their organizations – to discuss and adopt by-laws, agree on a basic programmatic document and, last but not least, elect the leadership of the Union. All this was achieved in the course of three busy days. The mood heated up on the last day for the elections of the first board of the newly established organization. After long debates and fierce campaigning, the delegates gave a majority of votes to Daad Azzi from the National Liberal Party of Lebanon, who will head the group in the coming two years. Young leaders from Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt are joining Ms. Azzi on the Board.

Among the first well-wishers was Fredrik Ferié, the Vice President of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) who attended the conference and whose organization is interested to deepen relations with Arab political youth groups.

FNF co-sponsored the conference and, in a first meeting after the elections, Regional Director Dr. Meinardus congratulated the new leadership and expressed his support: "The Foundation is committed to support the networking of Arab liberal youth organizations," he said.

Liberal Egyptian leaders also met with the young delegates, among them the Secretary General of the El Ghad Party, Sayed Bassiouni and the Secretary General of the Democratic Front Party Mrs. Margret Azer. Both Egyptian parties are founding members of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL).

Foundation Promotes International Liberal Networking at Cairo Event

2009

Senior leaders of international networks of liberal political parties presented their organizations and discussed the importance of international networking at a workshop sponsored by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in cooperation with the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) on April 2, 2009 in Cairo. Entitled "Cooperation for Freedom. The Role of International Political Networks", the informative event featured speeches by the Secretary General of Liberal International, Emil Kirjas, and the president of the network of Arab Liberals (NAL), Mohamed Tamaldou.

The President of the Democratic Front Party of Egypt (DFP). Dr. Osama Ghazali Harb, facilitated the event and highlighted the importance of international relations of political parties. DFP is the first Egyptian party to join Liberal International as a member.

"We have strengthened our role in the Middle East and Northern Africa", said Emil Kirjas and pointed at the close cooperation of LI and the Network of Arab Liberals. Kirjas also announced that LI would hold the group’s world congress in Cairo in October 2009, the lead theme of which would be education: "We are going to discuss how education affects human rights and democracy and also the entrepreneurial spirit of the people, particularly the youth", Kirjas said.

NAL-President Tamaldou highlighted the significance of Egypt and predicted that "Egypt will play an important role in promoting liberalism in the Arab world." Tamaldou bemoaned the state of political affairs in the Arab world describing the situation as "facade democracy" and added that "freedom is the real guarantee of stability and modernity".

The ensuing discussions touched many topics among them the position of LI regarding the Palestinian cause. Said Mr. Kirjas: "You are not going to find anywhere in the world a liberal who will not support the struggle of the Palestinians for their own state."

In his opening remarks, FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus said that promoting liberal political networks is a "strategic priority" of the Foundation. He also said that the upcoming world congress of Liberal International in Egypt would be a good chance to strengthen the voice of the Arab liberals in international political debates and, therefore, a major political breakthrough.

Egyptian Liberals Join Amman Conference on World Economic Crisis

2009

Senior members of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) met in Amman/Jordan in early April 2009 to discuss the world economic crisis, its impact on the Arab world and liberal solutions.

The two day event was the first ever NAL activity in the Hashemite Kingdom and attended by liberal political leaders from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine and host-country Jordan. The workshop was co-organized by the Jordanian Free Thought Forum (FTF) and co-sponsored by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in Cairo.

In his key-note speech, Mohamed El Halayqa, former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan drew a grim picture: "It is more than a crisis, the former vice prime minister said, "it is a catastrophe and all will suffer." El Halayqa predicted that the crisis would last for three years. Lebanese economist, Dr. Jad Chabaan gave a less pessimistic assessment and challenged the participants to see the crisis as an opportunity which would allow the Arab governments to rid their economies of "the dependency model" of either exporting oil or labour." I am looking at this crisis as something good", Dr. Chabaan said.

Political leaders from the liberal El Ghad Party and the Democratic Front Party (DFP) represented the Egyptian side at the workshop. Dr. Salwa Soliman, member of the Executive Board of DFP presented a paper on the economic situation in Egypt and the perspectives.

Market failure: Yes or No?

At the centre of many discussions stood the role of the market in the crisis and in the future economic order. Delegates agreed that it was wrong to put all the blame on the market and would rather point to a failure of the regulatory system. Said Saed Karajah, President of the Jordanian Free Thought Forum: "In the Arab World, we cannot say that the market has failed, because we have not started with the market." Mr. Karajah concluded that "we should use the crisis as an opportunity to call for a full application of the market."

While in Amman, the NAL-leadership met for the first session of the Executive Committee in 2009. Led by NAL President Mohamed Tamaldou from Morocco, the committee discussed important internal and political issues. Among these were the final adoption of the internal bylaws and statutes and the appointment of Mrs. Margret Azer, Secretary General of the Egyptian Democratic Front Party as NAL-treasurer.

"Women and Mirror": Foundation Launches Liberal Publication on Gender Issue

2009

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in cooperation with Mahrousa Publishing House launched the second book of its new series „Liberal Publications" with a volume on women’s rights. Titled "Women and Mirror. Vision for the Contemporary Reality for Women," the book contains articles by various writers from different parts of the world who all deal with aspects of the women’s struggle for equal rights and opportunities. Among the authors are well-known Malaysian activist Zenah Anwar who writes about women politics in an Islamic context or Daad Musa from Syria and Jamila Sayouri from Morocco who deal with legal aspects of women emancipation in their respective countries. The book launch was held at the Sawy Cultural Center in Cairo Zamalek and attended by well over one hundred participants. The public event coincided with a regional workshop on "Women in Politics" organized by the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) and cosponsored by FNF. Liberal women leaders from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt attended the workshop and also the book launching. In his opening remarks, FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus emphasized the importance of the equality of opportunities: "Liberals are always for the freedom of the individual and always against any form of discrimination."

The book was presented by Dr. Fathma Chafagi, a well-known Egyptian scholar of gender issues. She concluded that considering the circumstances in the Arab world "positive discrimination is the only option ahead for us to reach equal opportunities." Also present on the panel was Henriette Hänsch, the editor of the book, who said that the selection of articles from various parts of the world reflected the different approaches of women activism today.

You may write by e-mail to the Foundation’s Cairo office for a free copy of this book.

Why I am a liberal? Foundation Sponsors Essay Writing Contest for Young Egyptians

2009

In cooperation with the Egyptian Union of Liberal Youth (EULY), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) has launched an essay writing contest entitled "Why I am a liberal?"

The contest aims at encouraging young Egyptians to write about and share with others their thoughts about liberalism, the liberal concept of personal freedom and why these are relevant and important for them.

Participants are invited to submit their texts no later than March 31, 2009, after which a small group of distinguished experts will review the submissions and select the winners.

The writers of the twenty best essays will receive cash prizes and their texts will be published in a book and made accessible to the general public. The author of the best essay will be invited to join an educational activity sponsored by FNF in Germany.

"In Egypt, hardly another term is as misunderstood as is the term liberalism," says FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who added that the contest is part of the Foundation’s program to promote liberal publications written by Egyptians.

More information on the essay writing contest is available at www.librali.net

"We are trying to Egyptianize the liberal Discourse," says Foundation’s Regional Director in Newspaper Interview

2009

In an interview in the Egyptian Economic Daily El Mal published on February 16, 2009, Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus clarified a range of issues reaching from the Foundation’s relationship with specific political parties in Egypt, the prospects of liberalism in this country and the perspective of reforms.

Asked whether the Foundation funds activities of specific political parties, Dr. Meinardus reiterated the clear position that this is not the case as the Foundation in all cases respects the laws of the host nation and abides by the strict German regulations which prohibit financing of political parties. However, he added that the Foundation as an institute of liberal political education and training sponsors numerous programs of Egyptian civil society organizations which specifically target liberal individuals and also members of liberal political parties.

As a liberal political Foundation with projects in 60 countries of the world and close relations to major international liberal organizations, FNF is supportive of the efforts of liberal Egyptian forces to strengthen their bonds with the global and European bodies.

Dr. Meinardus also talked about FNF’s efforts to promote liberal discourse in Egypt by "Egyptianizing" the liberal concepts. The Foundation has started a series of Arabic publications authored by liberal intellectuals and activists in an effort to popularize liberal ideas in the local society.

Read the full text of the interview in El Mal newspaper

Foundation to Sponsor Series of Regional Meetings of Network of Arab Liberals

2009

In the continued effort to strengthen the bonds between liberal political parties and enhance political dialogue, the Regional Office of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) is continuing its sponsorship of educational and training programs of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL). From March 11 through 14, 2009, a hands-on workshop for women leaders of NAL-member parties will be held in Cairo. Entitled "Women in Politics," the three day event is sponsored by the Liberal Democrats of the United Kingdom in cooperation with FNF. The workshop will bring together women politicians from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and the host-country Egypt. Just two weeks later, the leaders of the Arab liberal network will convene in Amman, Jordan for a workshop to discuss "Liberal Responses to the Global Economic Crisis". While in Amman, the NAL leadership will also assemble for its bi-annual Executive Committee meeting.

Meanwhile, the delegates from youth wings of NAL member parties are planning to hold the inaugural gathering of what has provisionally been termed the Union of Liberal Arab Youth (ULAY) in Egypt in late April 2009. The preparatory discussions for the establishment of this regional liberal youth network have been laid at a workshop in Beirut in October of last year.

New Series Kicks off with Book on Liberalism in Egypt

2009

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in cooperation with Mahrousa Publishing House is starting a new series of books in the Arabic language entitled "Liberal Publications". The first book in this series is "Liberalism and the Egyptian Society: Crisis and Evidence" written by well-known Egyptian liberal scholar Dr. Rifaat Lakkoushha.

This book will be presented to the public on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 19:00 o’clock in the evening at the Goethe Institute in downtown Cairo. The main speaker at the event will be Prof. Dr. Ali Eldin Hilal who will introduce the book and share his comments. The author will then make additional remarks.

FNF is planning to publish further liberal books in the Arabic language in the future. Next in line is a book on the role of women in society. "Much of the liberal literature in the market today in the Arabic language is either outdated or written by foreigners", says FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus. The Foundation’s new book series aims at strengthening Arab liberal voices in the public sphere, he added.

Foundation, Cairo University Join Hands in Journalists’ Training

2009

In an effort to promote political awareness and know-how among young Egyptian newspaper journalists, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the Youth Studies and Leadership Training Unit at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science of Cairo University organized a three-day workshop. 26 media workers from Egypt’s major state-owned, private and party newspapers joined the educational activity at the main campus of Cairo University.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Aliaa Al-Mahdy, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, emphasized the importance of political education and highlighted the contribution of her institute in this regard. FNF’s Regional Director, Dr. Ronald Meinardus mentioned the "pluralistic media landscape in Egypt" and highlighted the special responsibility of journalists while reporting and commenting on political affairs.

One session of the workshop was dedicated to the situation of the media in Germany. Here, Dr. Meinardus, who for many years has held senior positions in German public radio, presented the situation in Europe with special references to the German system of training of journalists.

The workshop included a number of prominent speakers and praciticioners, among them Farida Al-Nakash, Editor in Chief of Al-Ahly Newspaper, Dr. Hassan Abu Taleb, Editing Manager of Al Ahram Newspaper and Hazem Mounir, Chairman of the Egyptian Organization for Training and Human Rights.

Among the issues discussed were the role of civil society concerning political reforms, ways to activate the party system in Egypt in the light of the experiences of other countries and the international financial crisis and its impact on the Egyptian economy. FNF and Cairo University plan to continue this educational program for young Egyptian media workers in the new year.

Foundation Supports Online Database on Reform Movements in Egypt

2009

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) has continued its sponsorship for the Egyptian Information Technology Support Center in an effort to make comprehensive information on political reform initiatives and social movements in Egypt available online.

The data collected and posted on the center’s website include documents and publications related to various Egyptian movements and organizations aspiring political and social reform in the period 2004 to 2008. Included in the collection of material are academic studies and papers submitted at leading Egyptian universities over the past five years.

The Information Technology Support Center’s main website (www.id3m.com) is operated by Egyptian open source activists who aim at making political information available to the public via the Internet. The group was set up in 2006. For many Egyptians and others interested in Egyptian current affairs, the website has become an important source for first-hand information.

"We hope that this material will lead to a better understanding of Egyptian reform initiatives, their chances and also the challenges," said FNF Program Officer Amira Hussein

Egyptians Join Arab Youth Delegation for Political Meetings in Germany

2008

Senior members of youth organizations associated to member parties of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) visited Germany from November 22 to 29, 2008 for a series of political and educational meetings organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF).

Among the seven participants were two Egyptians: Mohamad Saad from the youth wing of the Al Ghad Party and Jehia Al Meligy, Vice President of the youth organization of the Democratic Front Party. The other participants came from liberal political parties in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Lebanon. The delegation attended a seminar in Gummersbach and held informative meetings in Aachen, Düsseldorf and Berlin.

The program aimed at introducing to the Arab youth activists the role of political party youth wings in the political system of Germany with a special focus on the relationship of the youth organizations with the respective mother parties. All major German political parties have well established youth organizations that play an active role in party affairs.

The delegation from the Middle East met with members of the German and European Parliaments, the leadership of FNF, and also had extensive discussions with Junge Liberale (Julis), the youth wing of the German liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP).

Promoting the cooperation between Arab and European liberals is an important objective of the programs of FNF. In this regard, the discussions the Arab youth delegation held with leading members of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) and the European Federation of Liberal Youth Organizations (LYMEC) were important as they laid the ground for future cooperation.

Summarizing the outcome of seven busy days in Germany, Egyptian delegate Mohamed Saad from the Ghad Party said: "The program was an excellent opportunity for us to communicate with European and German politicians, to exchange experiences and also to discuss future cooperation." FNF’s representative in Amman, Jordan, Mr. Ralf Erbel accompanied the delegation throughout the program.

German Ambassador Addresses Alumni, Praises Egyptian-German Partnership

2008

Over the years, dozens of young Egyptian leaders have attended training programs at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty’s (FNF) International Academy for Leadership in Gummersbach, Germany. In an effort to renew the bonds with these individuals and strengthen the Foundation’s network, FNF’s regional office in Cairo held a dinner reception with a keynote speech by the German Ambassador Mr. Bernd Erbel in Zamalek on December 15, 2008. Addressing 50 attentive listeners, the German Ambassador gave an upbeat account of his diplomatic mission and the bilateral relations: "There are not many countries in the world, Ambassador Erbel said, with which we have so intense relations." The Ambassador stressed the strategic importance of Egypt calling it "the most important partner in the peace process." He said: "Nobody can think of reaching a solution to the conflict without the help of Egypt."

The envoy also gave an overview of the economic and cultural relations between the two nations. He mentioned that "since 2004, foreign direct investment in Egypt has exploded and Germany has been part of this." According to the German diplomat, promoting renewable energy and vocational training are priorities of the development cooperation between Berlin and Cairo. Erbel emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation: "This is the most important means of creating friendship between the countries."

This point was taken up by FNF’s Regional Director, Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who in his concluding remarks pointed out that while the Foundation’s main objective is the promotion of liberalism, it always also aspires to promote the partnership between Germany and the host-country Egypt.

Check out the 2009 program of the International Academy for Leadership and also the reports written by Egyptian participants.

Freedom of Association in the Arab World: Cairo Conference Continues Dialogue, Accepts Code of Conduct

2008

More than 150 participants representing political parties, civil society organizations (CSO), labour unions, think tanks, the media and governments came together at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in downtown Cairo on November 18 and 19, 2008 for a conference titled "Moral Responsibility of CSOs in the Arab World and the Right to Freedom of Association". The main objective of this political gathering was to continue the push for the liberalization of the laws pertaining to associations in Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

During the two-day-event, the participants discussed – and accepted in principle – a Code of Conduct for NGOs dwelling on good governance principles. They also approved a Charter of Democratic Principles.
This document was introduced as the first of its kind in the Arab world containing a formal pledge of political parties to their constituencies and governments to uphold and safeguard democracy whether in power or in opposition. Putting this document into perspective, Hafez Abu Saada, Secretary General of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) and partner of FNF said: "We need to have mechanisms that prevent fundamentalists from abolishing freedom and democracy when they come to power."

The conference participants also engaged in discussions regarding their role in pushing the political reform process. While governments and opposition groups broadly agree that political reforms are due, their positions regarding the scope and the quality of such changes differ. According to Muhamad Shtat, the legal consultant of the Egyptian Ministry of Solidarity, a lack of confidence between the government and civil society exists. Therefore, he said, confidence building was essential. He added that his government would "use the recommendations of the conference as guidelines."

On the sidelines of the conference, the book "Guidelines for the Right of Association and Assembly in the Arab World" was presented to the public. The 320 pages volume examines the existing laws for political parties, NGOs and labour unions in Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It contains policy papers that summarize intensive debates in focus groups and other meetings pertaining to the state of and the prospects for freedom of association in the Arab world.

"This volume fills a void in the literature about this important topic", said Dr. Ronald Meinardus, Regional Director of FNF. We hope, he continued, that this book may become "a useful tool to promote political dialogue and foster liberal solutions."

Young Leaders Set the Stage for Liberal Arab Youth Union

2008

Young leaders from liberal Arab political parties laid the ground for the establishment of a pan-Arab liberal youth organization at a regional workshop in Beirut/Lebanon from October 28.-31, 2008. Titled "Cooperation for Freedom: Creating a Liberal Arab Youth Network" the workshop brought together young liberal politicians and activists from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. The three-day event was sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in cooperation with the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL).

In a first step, the participants discussed the ideological and political dimensions of cooperation among Arab liberal youth. In special sessions, they talked about the present economic crisis, the widespread political disenchantment with politics among the Arab youth and the repressive nature of most governments in the region.

The delegates acknowledged that they have not yet reached a common understanding of what exactly the liberal response should be to the many challenges confronting the Arab youth today. They agreed to deal with this programmatic issue as a matter of priority once the network is formally established.

The delegates also dealt with organizational matters related to the setting up of an international network. They agreed that the youth network which they tentatively titled Union of Liberal Arab Youth (ULAY) should be closely associated with the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL).

Furthermore, the delegates agreed that the organization would be formally established at a General Assembly to be held in the region in early 2009. The organizational preparations for this event and the drafting of the statutes were delegated to a provisional Steering Committee with members representing political youth wings in Morocco, Egypt and Lebanon.

In a special session, Frederik Ferie, vice president of the International Federation for Liberal Youth (IFLRY) gave an overview of liberal international and regional organizations. According to Mr. Ferie, IFLRY represents two million young liberals in all parts of the world.
The Federation is interested in strengthening cooperation with liberal youth wings in the Arab world. "I am impressed at the commitment of all delegates towards the idea of setting up a regional Arab youth network", said FNF’R Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who attended the Meeting. "I am confident – Dr. Meinardus concluded – that this group will develop into a forceful network of liberal advocacy in the Arab world."

Egyptian Liberals Join Regional Meeting on Women’s Rights in Tunis

2008

Senior members of liberal Arab parties and women activists came together in Tunis October 18-19, 2008 for a workshop entitled The Role of Women in Political Parties in the Arab World. The two-day event was organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and cosponsored by the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) and the Parti Social Liberal (PSL) of Tunisia. Among the participants were leaders from the Egyptian Democratic Front Party and the liberal Al Ghad Party.

At their meeting, the delegates discussed the socio-cultural, legal and constitutional frameworks of gender issues in the Arab world, the status quo of women’s participation in political parties and strategies to enhance equal opportunities in liberal parties of the region. The delegates agreed that the Arab world is far away from achieving gender equality.

To quote from the conclusions adopted at the end of the workshop: "A large number of women in the Arab countries are unaware of their rights." The participants lamented "the growing fundamentalist currents that oppose women’s rights and threaten the existing social and political benefits by imposing condescending views of women".

In the end, the representatives of liberal Arab parties formulated recommendations and vowed to put these into practice in their own organizations. Among these are the promotion of women in leadership positions through a quota system, training programs and – on a more general level – a commitment to further push for the reforms of the family laws to grant equality and conform with international standards most governments have formally adopted.

"Women remain underrepresented also in Arab liberal parties, and I hope they will work on changing this unfortunate state of affairs", said Dr. Ronald Meinardus, the Regional Director of FNF who addressed the meeting in Tunis. As a liberal institute, FNF is committed to equal opportunities and sponsors various programs aimed at empowering women in society and politics.

Egyptian-European Youth Dialogue in Cairo, Ismailia

2008

Promoting liberalism among the youth, strengthening liberal youth organizations and advancing the cooperation between young Egyptian liberals and young European liberals are major objectives of the educative programs of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Libertty (FNF) in Egypt. To move forward in these fields, the Vice President of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), Mr. Frederik Ferie, visited Egypt from October 8 to 12 2008.

At a one-day-workshop in Cairo entitled "Youth Organizations: The Vision and the Application", Mr. Ferie talked about the role of youth wings of liberal political parties in western Europe with a special focus on the Young Liberals (Junge Liberale) of Germany. Special attention was given to the relationship between youth wing and mother party. The activity was sponsored by the Egyptian non-governmental organization Youth Contribution for Social Aid and attended by leaders of the Egyptian liberal Democratic Front Party (DFP). Among the highlights of the workshop was the presentation of Dr. Osama Ghazali Harb, the Editor in Chief of International Politics Magazine and also the President of DFP. Dr. Harb gave a comprehensive overview of political youth activism in Egypt.

In a second activity sponsored by FNF in cooperation with the Egyptian Union of Liberal Youth (EULY), young Egyptian liberals not attached to any political party came to Ismailia in order to discuss the topic "Liberalism in the Egyptian Society: How Can it be Promoted?" The three-day event kicked off with a presentation by FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus who spoke about "Liberalism and Civil Society". The Foundation’s director said that liberalism is very close to civil society and supports civil society initiatives and campaigns as a counter weight to strong executive power. Dr. Meinardus also said: "Liberalism is the mother of civil society". During the Islamailia conference, Mr. Ferie made an extensive presentation about IFLRY, its history, membership and organizational structure. The Egyptian Union of Liberal Youth has expressed interest in joining IFLRY as a member.

View the presentations of the IFLRY Vice President (PDF format):

Political Youth Organizations World Wide: How do They Work?

The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY): History, Membership, Structure
Challenges Facing Young Liberals

"Our main aim is to promote liberal ideas", says Foundation’s Regional Director

2008

In an interview published in the Egyptian daily newspaper Nahdet Misr on September 10, 2008, the Regional Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in the Middle East and Northern Africa, Dr. Ronald Meinardus, gave a comprehensive overview of the Foundation’s programs and objectives in this part of the world. "Our main aim is to promote liberal ideas and concepts and to strengthen civil society and liberal political parties," Dr. Meinardus stated. He refuted the claim that the Foundation interferes in the internal affairs of political institutions in the host countries: We are "an international liberal educative institute", he said. "We have not interfered and we will not interfere in the internal political affairs of any Egyptian institution."

Dr. Meinardus expressed a positive perspective for liberalism in this part of the world: "Egyptians are just as much interested in freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance as social progress as other people in other parts of the world", he said.

He called the relationship between Egypt and Germany "very solid, deep and also friendly" and explained that FNF aims at bringing together Egyptian and European liberals: "We consider this to be our contribution to the partnership and the friendship of our two nations", the Foundation’s official said.

Read the full text of the interview in Nahdet Misr.

After Successful Cairo Meeting, International Support for Arab Liberals

2008

At the first general Assembly in Cairo on July 12, 2008, the delegates of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) adopted the by-laws and elected Mr. Mohamad Tamaldou of the Moroccan Union Constitutionnelle as president. Joining the five-member Executive Board are the Egyptian liberal leaders Mrs. Margret Azer (Democratic Front Party) and Mr. Wael Nawara (Ghad Party). The General Assembly also decided that the Secretariat of the regional group would be hosted in Cairo.

Following the successful Cairo meeting, international liberal leaders congratulated the Network and expressed their support for the new leadership. In a congratulatory message, The Lord Alderdice, President of Liberal International, expressed his desire for intensive cooperation in the future. Speaking on behalf of "the liberals from all parts of the world" he congratulated the NAL-leaders and said that he was inspired by the progress in creating the Arab liberal network.

Meanwhile, the President of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, Member of Parliament, wrote to the newly elected leader of NAL and said that the Foundation is "committed to promote the cooperation of liberal parties in the Arab world".

The liberal Foundation has cooperated with Arab liberal parties and supports their networking efforts through educative programs for their members and consultancy.

For more information visit: www.arab-liberals.net

Arab Liberal leaders, Experts Discuss Role of Opposition Parties in Cairo

2008

Senior members of Arab liberal political parties attended a conference in Cairo on July 13, 2008 titled "The Role of Liberal Opposition Parties in the Arab World: Challenges and Perspectives". The one-day event was organized by the Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in cooperation with the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL). Political experts and politicians made presentations and discussed the constitutional, legal, political and social framework of liberal politics in the Arab world. In their papers, the experts referred to numerous political and legal restrictions and constraints that prevent the liberal forces from coming anywhere close to governmental power in this part of the world. Speakers from Morocco and Lebanon mentioned that in their country the situation for liberal parties is better than in other Arab nations and that their governments are not as restrictive as elsewhere in the region.

"We Need Political Education"

Presenters also argued that in many Arab countries the people "on the road" are unaware of liberal principles and values or do not understand them. Said Mr. Mohamed Mustafa Sherdy, Member of Parliament for the Egyptian Wafd Party: "We need political education. If you talk to the Egyptians about liberalism they will ask what it means." Political liberalism is also weakened by internal divisions: In several Arab countries more than one political party supporting liberal positions exist. It was argued that in some cases authoritarian regimes are fanning internal divisiveness in order to weaken the liberal forces.

In the final discussion, the participants agreed to two conclusions: First, liberalism as a political concept and program needs to be redefined in an Arab context so that it may become conceivable for a majority of Arabs "in the street". Second – to quote Beshir Abd El Fattah from the Egyptian Democracy magazine – "the citizens have to understand that liberalism has a direct impact on their lives".

At the end of the well-attended conference the FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus said: "Promoting liberal politics is an uphill battle in many parts of this world. I am impressed at the dedication with which our Arab political friends are pushing for political freedom."

Liberal Arab Leaders to Meet in Cairo to Discuss Role of Opposition Parties

2008

Senior members of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) are visiting Cairo from July 11 to 14 2008 to participate in the conference "The Role of Liberal Opposition Parties in the Arab World: Challenges and Prospects".

The one-day event is cosponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty.

The conference aims at discussing the role of liberal opposition parties in the Arab World. Speakers will deal with the constitutional, legal, and political framework of political parties in the participating Arab countries. Delegates from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, in addition to the hosting country Egypt have been invited.

"You can learn a lot about the political system of the country, if you study the role of the opposition", said Dr. Ronald Meinardus, The Regional Director of the Foundation who will open the conference.

On the occasion of their visit to Cairo, the political leaders from the Arab Network will hold the first General Assembly on July 12, 2008 during which they are expected to discuss internal organizational matters such as the by-laws, membership issues and the leadership of the group.

The Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) is comprised of Arab liberal parties and activists in the Arab world committed to the principles of freedom, responsibility, pluralism, tolerance, market economy, civil state, and separation of religion from state affairs.

Foundation, ERTU and DW Academy Join Hands for TV Training Program

2008

In the framework of their cooperation, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU) are conducting a three week training program for senior Egyptian television journalists, producers and cameramen. The workshop is in line with a long standing cooperation between the liberal Foundation and the Egyptian Television. It will be facilitated by a team of experts from Deutsche Welle Academy, the training arm of the German public broadcasting corporation. The three week course at the ERTU premises in Cairo will focus on the production of television documentaries pertaining to environmental matters.

To discuss this project and future joint activities, FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus met with senior ERTU officials, among them Mrs. Nadia Halim, Head of TV Channel 1 and Mrs. Fatma Fouad, Head of Channel 2. "Professional training is a prerequisite for good journalism", said Dr. Meinardus. "We are pleased to continue our cooperation with the Egyptian government media in this important field."

Arab Liberal Youth Close Ranks at Workshop in Egypt

2008

Leading members of youth wings of Arab liberal political parties and liberal youth activists from the Arab world assembled in Ain Souchna, Egypt, from May, 3. - 7, 2008 for a workshop titled "Communicating Liberalism: Moderation Training for Multipliers". The activity was cosponsored by the Egyptian NGO Youth Contribution for Social Aid and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and brought together young political leaders belonging to member parties of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL).

The main objective of the workshop was to improve the Arab young liberals’ programmatic knowledge about liberalism and, at the same time, also their facilitation skills. Young liberals from Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and host country Egypt attended the workshop.

Following the training at Ain Souchna, the group moved to Cairo for a well attended public debate on "The role of Liberalism in the solution of youth problems". In their talks, the young liberals identified youth unemployment, political disenchantment and lack of political participation as their main common challenges. As possible liberal solutions they proposed market reforms for more growth and development, the opening of the political systems to encourage the youth to get involved and platform based politics to increase the level and quality of political discourse in their respective countries.

The Ain Souchna and Cairo events were the first of their kind to bring together young liberal Arab activists involved in party politics. "It makes much sense for a liberal political Foundation involved in the promotion of liberal principles in the Arab world to work with these young people", said FNF Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who attended both meetings and expressed the Foundation’s intention to continue the support for liberal youth activism in this part of the world.

Egyptian Liberals Join Arab-European Dialogue in Brussels and Berlin

2008

Senior members of Egyptian liberal parties joined a delegation of the Network of Arab Liberals (NAL) for an informative visit to Brussels and Berlin from April 20-26, 2008 titled "Organization and Program Development of Modern Liberal Parties". In Brussels, the Arab delegation held meetings with leaders of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR) and a representative of Liberal International, the world federation of liberal political parties.

In Berlin, the NAL-delegates met senior officials of the German government and the liberal party of Germany (Free Democratic Party, FDP). In a workshop, officials of the German opposition party made presentations regarding organizational and strategic issues related to the management of modern political parties.

Among the highlights of the one-week programme was a public forum in Berlin on "Challenges for Liberalism in the Arab World" co-sponsored by the German-Arabic Society. There the Arab politicians had the opportunity to present their positions to a wider German public. The NAL-delegation also had meetings with the leadership of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) who sponsored and organized the informative program.

"We are happy that we could help promote the political dialogue between Arab and European liberals", said the Foundation’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who accompanied the delegation in Europe.

Foundation Kicks off New Series of Workshop with Egyptian Youth Council

2008

Under the heading "Developing the Youth Leadership Skills and Supporting its Participation in Public Life", the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty and the National Youth Council are embarking on a new set of training programs. The cooperation of the Foundation and the Egyptian governmental institute is based on an agreement signed in 2000.

The main objectives of the workshops are to increase political participation of young Egyptians and to encourage them to take a more active role in society. Facilitators will apply interactive and participatory teaching methodology. The workshops will focus on various topics such as human rights, participation, civil society and democracy. The program targets members of students' unions, youth centers and youth parliaments. The first workshop is slated for April 21 through 23, 2008 at the Civic Education Centre in Ghezira/Cairo.

Young Egyptians Earn Best Marks at Online- Seminar, Receive Invitation to Germany

2008

The promotion of political dialogue among the liberal youth from different countries is an important objective of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s international activities. The International Academy for Leadership in Gummersbach, Germany is the center of the Foundation’s dialogue programs. Over the years, more than one hundred Egyptians have attended training programs at this Academy.

To supplement the seminars in Germany, which are costly and also time consuming, the Foundation conducts online-seminars on various topics related to the promotion of liberalism. In these seminars, participants from all parts of the world log on to the Internet and participate in online lectures, debates and essay writing. Typically, the most successful participants of the online seminars are invited to follow-up workshops in Germany.

Recently, two young Egyptian liberals topped the list of participants from the Near and Middle East. In recognition of their successful participation, the Foundation has invited Ms. Cynthia Abd El-Malik and Mr. Ahmed Abdel Wahab Ahmed to join the upcoming two-week course entitled Chances and Challenges of Liberalism to be held in Gummersbach in April.

"The success of the two Egyptian confirms the intelligence and commitment of these young liberals", said Dr. Ronald Meinardus, the Regional Director of the Foundation in Cairo. Meanwhile, Ms. Abd El Malik had only good things to say about her experience in the online seminar: "I have joined several international seminars, but it is a relief to finally find one that does not compromise the meaning of liberalism under the impression of spreading it."

Read the full report of the young Egyptian liberal and also check out other report by Egyptian participants of this program. Also check this year’s program of the International Academy for Leadership in Germany.

Cairo Students Discuss Academic Freedom, Rights

2008
The promotion of academic freedom on university campuses in Cairo is the main objective of a series of workshops organized by the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression and cosponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty. The first four-day event took place at the Centre for Development Support in Dokki/Cairo in early February and brought together close to thirty Egyptian students from different political backgrounds.

"Academic freedom is a core liberal principle and a precondition for achieving progress - in the economy and in society," said FNF Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus.

During the workshop, the participants tackled the concept of academic freedom and students’ rights from a comparative international perspective. They also discussed the history of Egypt’s students’ movement, the students’ law of 1979 and its recent amendment in 2007. The students agreed that the current law does not meet their needs and highlighted the importance of independent student unions.

Foundation Supports Online Database on Freedom of Expression

2008

In a four months project, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty cooperated with the Information Technology Support Center in an effort to make comprehensive information on the freedom of expression and civil society in Egypt accessible online. The Information Technology Support Center’s main website (www.id3m.com) is operated by Egyptian open source activists who aim at making political information available to the public via the Internet. The group’s main website presents systematized and digitized articles from the press and other printed materials. For many Egyptians, the website has become an important source of first-hand information.

During the period of the project, staff workers and researches visited numerous university libraries, publishing houses, research centres, civil society organizations and other sources of information in search for materials related to freedom of expression and the state of civil society in Egypt.

Ismailia Workshop Promotes Development of Liberal Youth Organizations

2008

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty held a workshop for strategies to enhance participation and improve performance of youth organizations in cooperation with the Egyptian Union of Liberal Youth from February 3-6, 2008 in Ismailia. 26 participants from different governorates attended the workshop. They were mainly university students or young graduates interested in deepening their knowledge in strategic planning and organizing youth groups. Mr. Wulf Pabst, a German consultant, who had held a similar session with Egyptian liberal youth in August 2007, facilitated this event.

During his introduction Dr. Ronald Meinardus, the Foundation’s Regional Director, talked about the terms liberalism and democracy and said that liberal values are not exclusively European but can also be found within different cultural contexts. Another guest speaker, TV journalist Mohamed Ibrahim from Ismailia presented his hometown and the region.

At the workshop the participants learned how to develop a strategic plan and how to formulate specific liberal positions for the main challenges of the Egyptian youth, such as education, health and unemployment. Furthermore they formulated a time action plan which will guide their activities in the future.

Conference at Arab League Pushes for Freedom of Association

2008

More than one hundred representatives of Arab governments, political parties, trade unions and civil society assembled in Cairo on January 16 and 17, 2008 for a regional conference to discuss ways and means to fill the basic right of freedom of association with life. Entitled "Promoting Government-Civil Society Dialogue and Reforming Laws," the event brought together delegates from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Jordan and the host country Egypt. They met under the patronage of Amr Musa, Secretary General of the League of Arab Sates, who also provided the venue for the political gathering.

The second major event in a row, this conference at the Cairo headquarters of the Arab League is part of a three year project cosponsored by the European Commission. The project aims at promoting dialogue between the governments, civil society, trade unions and political parties in the important area of reforming legislation concerning the freedom of association and bringing this into harmony with generally accepted international standards.

It is a joint project of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty and her Arab partner organizations:

- Egyptian Organization for Human Rights, Cairo
- Arab Center for the Development of Rule of Law and Integrity, Beirut
- National Cntre for Human Rights, Amman
- Coalition for Integrity AMAN, Ramallah

In his opening address, the Commissioner for Civil Society of the Arab League, Taher Masri, said: "It is time to unite, on an Arab level, and formulate a common language and understanding around these three laws." Dr. Ronald Meinardus, Regional Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, noted: "A democratic society without freedom of association is unthinkable."

At the end of two days of engaged and, at times, passionate debates, the participants agreed on a detailed list of policy recommendations. With the approval of the representatives of the Arab League, these recommendations will be communicated to the stake holders and promoted in strategically important target groups in the respective Arab countries.

For an update of the project visit www.arab-laws-reform.ne

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2008