Middle East and North Africa
We are an open house for innovation and a global liberal think tank, dedicated to promoting the values and principles of freedom worldwide. Through our activities and publications, we empower individuals to exercise their right to political participation. Our offices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operate within the framework of freedom and human rights, adapting to each country’s unique context. Based in Amman, Jordan, FNF MENA drives three key programs that foster cross-country cooperation: MENA-NET, MENA-EU, and MENA-GEOPOL. We advise, inspire, and engage key stakeholders, developing and advocating solutions that strengthen individual freedom and responsibility.
News
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Dramatic Escalation of Violence in Syria Three Months After the Fall of the Assad Regime
Almost exactly three months after the fall of the Assad regime, the violence in Syria has escalated dramatically. Regional Office Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Jörg Dehnert, spoke to Rafif Jouejati, Vice President of the Syrian Liberal Party, about the dramatic developments in Syria.
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Inspiring the Next Generation: Exploring Liberal Thought
The Free Youth Course gathered 24 young participants to explore liberalism, democracy, and individual freedoms through expert-led sessions and discussions.
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Lebanon’s Path to Reform
On February 4, 2025, political leaders, economic experts, and civil society representatives gathered at Habtoor City for the conference for Lebanon.
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SHE LEADS: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE MENA
The excitement was palpable on Day 1 of the SHE LEADS: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE MENA workshop in Amman, Jordan!
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Lebanon’s New Prime Minister: What’s Next for the Future?
Lebanon swiftly elected a new Prime Minister. Mirna Mneimneh shares insights on the implications for Lebanon and the MENA region with Jörg Dehnert, FNF-MENA Regional Director.
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Interview on the election of Joseph Aoun as the new Lebanese president
Joseph Aoun has been elected as the new president of Lebanon. We spoke to Ralf Erbel about the background, significance and prospects following this election. He is currently head of the MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa department.
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Egypt: The End of an Era in the Land of the Nile
The FNF bids farewell to Mr. Hani Abdel-Malak who retires after 37 years of service for the FNF in Cairo, Egypt. How has Egypt changed and his work at FNF evolved over the years? An interview.
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Annual Meet of Humboldt Fellows: Building Stronger Ties
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) hosted the Annual General Meeting of the Jordanian Club of Humboldt Fellows (JCHF) on October 17, 2024, in Amman.
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Call for Proposals: MENA League Simulation 2024-2025 Project
We are thrilled to announce the Call for Applications for the role of Main Organizer for the "MENA League Simulation 2024/2025" project!
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SlaMena: Echoes of Change – Wednesday Overview
Oct.23rd 2024, Poetry Slam Contest: SlaMena: Echoes of Change in partnership with FNF MENA, FNF Morocco, The Olive Writers, and The American Arts Center,
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FNF MENA Urges Diplomacy Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
As tensions escalate across the Middle East, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF MENA) emphasizes the urgent need for diplomacy and restraint.
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Vacancy Announcement: Project Coordinator Jordan
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Middle East and North Africa is looking for a “Project Coordinator – Jordan” to join the Jordan team.
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Trade Integration
Disagreements among economists over sound economic policies run very deep, but they all agree on the benefits of free trade. Mainstream economic thinking on freedom of exchange knows no ideological boundaries. Ever since Adam Smith, there has been virtual unanimity among economists that free trade is in the best interest of everyone.
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About - Al Hurriya Liberal Network
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Refugees as a “Creative Construction”
The view that refugees are a burden to a country’s economy should be revised, not based on humanitarian reasoning, but on purely sound economic principles and analysis. Studies on the contributions of refugees (35.3 million worldwide) to their host countries are refuting the “economic burden” emblem usually tagged upon refugees.
Social Media
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A powerful start to the SHE LEADS: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE MENA workshop in Amman! Women entrepreneurs from Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan came together for an inspiring journey of leadership, strategy, and growth. From business presentations to hands-on SWOT analysis and risk management sessions, these changemakers are shaping the future! The journey didn’t stop there! A powerful networking dinner with industry leaders like Forbes-recognized Dina Khayyat and Atlas Furniture CEO Suha Bakir gave participants exclusive insights into success and leadership. Ready to dive into their journey? Read the full article on our website! Link: https://www.freiheit.org/middle-east-and-north-africa/she-leads-empowering-women-mena
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Voices of Change: She Leads Podcast Series! Women entrepreneurs in the MENA region are shaping the future, overcoming challenges, and driving innovation. During the "She Leads: Empowering Women in MENA" workshop, we sat down with inspiring participants to hear their stories firsthand. Now, we’re bringing these powerful conversations to you! Tune in to our podcast series as we share insights, experiences, and lessons from ambitious women entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for the first episode! #SheLeads #womeninmena
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The Al Hurriya Liberal Network (AHLN) successfully held its second regional conference in Amman, Jordan, focusing on freedom and civil society empowerment. Young leaders from across the MENA region—Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, and Iraq—came together to discuss democracy, human rights, and advocacy tools in a time of media disinformation. Together, we build a brighter future! Stay tuned for the full article. Al Hurriya Liberal Network
