IAF Gummersbach Alumni

Exploring Liberal Spaces

The cornerstones of liberal democracy - open societies, rule of law, political accountability, freedom of expression, and transparency - offer hope for societies. Granting citizens decision-making rights and implementing checks and balances leads to robust economic growth. The rule of law ensures equal treatment for all, fostering justice and stability. Political accountability establishes elected officials' responsibility to the people, building trust in governance.

Freedom of expression nurtures innovation and diverse viewpoints, crucial for societal advancement. Transparency fosters trust by opening government actions to scrutiny, enabling citizen engagement and responsibility in societal progress. These principles aren't just theoretical; they significantly impact economic growth. Empowering citizens through participation in decision-making produces policies attuned to societal needs, fuelling innovation and productivity.

In essence, liberal democracy's core principles form a promising path for societal development. Enabling citizen involvement and establishing checks and balances not only fosters fairer societies but also lays the groundwork for sustained economic prosperity.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom - Pakistan hosted its 21st Annual International Academy of Leadership (IAF) Alumni Network meetup in Lahore from November 10-12, 2023, themed "Exploring Liberal Spaces".  Birgit Lamm, Head of Country Office FNF - Pakistan, formally inaugurated the event by welcoming distinguished guests, comprising influential think tanks, politicians, social activists, journalists, and policymakers. Commending the alumni's milestone achievements of 50 years of Pakistan's constitution and 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Lamm set the tone for the gathering.

Check out the video highlights below:

Mr. Jami Chandio, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace & Civil Societies, commenced the seminar by steering a significant discussion on "Exploring Liberal Spaces" - seeking liberal approaches to present challenges and paving the path ahead. He highlighted that a restructured counter-narrative, coupled with historical context, interconnectedness, and self-reliance, could contribute significantly to establishing Pakistan as a liberal space.

In his incisive speech, Chandio pointed out the current state as a "Hybrid Democracy." However, he emphasized that Pakistan lacked a true hybrid model devoid of amalgamated democratic principles. He noted a pervasive climate of fear in both state and societal domains, with an alarming acceptance of this fear across all societal segments.

Chandio stressed the pivotal role of constitutional implementation, acknowledging its imperfections while advocating for its adherence. He urged for collective efforts to reclaim liberal spaces by amplifying voices for democratic transparency and networking. This, he believed, would reinforce the constitutional implementation process, even if the ideal execution remains a work in progress.

The day concluded as Mr. Zafarullah Khan walked the alumni through Pakistan's Electoral History using an interactive digital exhibition. Beginning from the Election of 1970 and spanning to the present-day scenarios, he encapsulated Pakistan's democratic journey through vivid and detailed posters displayed in the exhibition.

Panel Discussion

The following day commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Lamm, setting the tone for an enlightening session. This was promptly followed by an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Syed Waqar Rizvi. The discussion centred around the commemoration of 50 years of the Constitution and 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The panellists, including Senator Walid Iqbal, Mian Imran Masood (Former Education Minister Punjab), and Ms. Mangla Sharma (Former Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh), shared invaluable insights on the status of these foundational documents within the specific context of Pakistan. They meticulously examined the current state of implementation, shed light on prevailing challenges, and offered constructive paths toward progress.

The discourse was notably dynamic, delving into multifaceted aspects of the Constitution and the UDHR. From discussing their relevance to Pakistan's societal fabric to dissecting the hurdles hindering their full realisation, the panellists navigated through a wide spectrum of themes. They emphasised the imperative need for effective implementation mechanisms while acknowledging the complexities inherent in this process.

Moreover, the session didn't merely dwell on challenges; it also provided a forward-looking approach. The panellists fervently deliberated on potential strategies and actionable steps to address the gaps and enhance the application of these foundational doctrines. Their emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation in policy formulation resonated strongly as a way forward.

Overall, the session served as a platform for comprehensive dialogue, enabling a deeper understanding of the state, challenges, and avenues for progress regarding both the Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pakistan's context. It highlighted the significance of continuous reflection, active engagement, and concerted efforts toward a more just and rights-respecting society.

Let us be mindfull!

The inclusion of a session focused on mental health and wellbeing, spearheaded by Shahnaz Minallah, Co-Chairperson of "Art of Living" Pakistan and CEO of "A Soul Sanctuary," significantly amplified the event's impact and relevance. This particular session was dedicated to exploring the fundamental aspects of maintaining emotional balance and psychological well-being, especially in trying and demanding circumstances.

Shahnaz Minallah adeptly delved into the pivotal theme of retaining a sense of calm and stability during challenging periods by harnessing the power of mindfulness. Her guidance encompassed a spectrum of valuable insights, practical strategies, and mindfulness techniques tailored to cultivate resilience and inner tranquillity when faced with adversity.

Participants had the opportunity to learn and engage with mindfulness practices, acquiring tools to navigate stress, uncertainty, and pressure more effectively. Shahnaz Minallah's expertise and guidance in fostering mental resilience not only enriched the event but also empowered attendees with practical approaches to foster emotional strength and inner peace amid life's various challenges.

Parallel Open Space Sessions:

Following the primary session, three concurrent open-space sessions were organised, catering to the diverse interests of the attending alumni. These sessions covered critical topics that piqued the interest of participants, allowing them to choose sessions aligned with their specific interests and concerns.

The first session focused on POLITICS and revolved around the fundamental concept of the right to be democratically governed. Led by facilitator Mr. Nazir Leghari, this session addressed pivotal aspects such as voting rights, election processes, and the role of political parties in a democratic setup.

Simultaneously, the ECONOMY session, titled "It is Economy Stupid," was facilitated by Dr. Aneel Salman. This session explored the trajectory and prospects for a liberal economy, providing a platform for discussions on strategies and pathways to advance economic liberalism in the contemporary context.

Meanwhile, the CIVIC RIGHTS session centred on Human Rights and was facilitated by Afia Salam. Participants engaged in discussions encompassing various dimensions of human rights, including education, the influence of media, and the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and misinformation.

These parallel sessions served as interactive platforms, fostering engaging discussions, idea-sharing, and insights from experts in their respective fields. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into specific areas of interest, exchange perspectives, and gain valuable knowledge, contributing to a comprehensive and enriching experience during the event.

Alumni Projects overview & Ideas pitching for next year:

Following this, a comprehensive review of the accomplishments and highlights of the previous year's Alumni projects took place. This session offered a retrospective examination of the outcomes and impact generated by the initiatives carried out by former attendees.

Moreover, the session also provided a platform for the introduction and presentation of new project ideas aiming for the 2024 grant. This segment was characterised by the enthusiastic pitching of innovative and promising proposals by the participants. These new ideas encompassed diverse fields and initiatives, showcasing a range of creative solutions and strategies to address various societal challenges and promote positive change.

The session served as a bridge between past successes and future endeavours, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. It allowed for reflection on past experiences while igniting fresh enthusiasm and anticipation for the potential impact of upcoming projects. Participants were given the opportunity to learn from previous projects' outcomes, refine their ideas, and receive valuable feedback, setting the stage for the advancement of innovative projects in the upcoming year.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Lamm highlighted the significance of collective efforts and collaboration, emphasising the value of diverse perspectives and active engagement that had enriched the event's discussions and activities. She conveyed heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, recognising their dedication, insights, and commitment towards the event's objectives.