Readings in Liberalism: Now published in Indonesian
The Indonesian Freedom Institute, one of the partners of the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit in Indonesia, recently translated a book of the Liberal Institute called “Readings in Liberalism” into Bahasa Indonesia. It contains 15 chapters, including articles from Friedrich August von Hayek, John Locke, David Hume, and several other liberal thinkers.
Moscow: RIA Novosti Interview with Sascha Tamm
The Berlin Wall may have fallen, but other invisible walls still divide Europe. How has Europe changed during the last 20 years? What should be done to bring European countries closer together? RIA Novosti put these and other questions to Sascha Tamm, head of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty in Moscow.
New publication: 1989-2009-2029. 20 Years ago, 20 Years ahead
To commemorate the collapse of the Communist regime in the CEE 20 years ago, the FNF regional office in Sofia published an anthology of articles written by 15 young liberal leaders from the region and Germany, to express their very personal views on the past, present and future in their respective countries.
Economic Freedom of the World: 2009 Annual Report Released
The Fraser Institute, Canada's leading economic think tank, has just released its annual report on economic freedom. The Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) report is a peer-reviewed publication, seeking to measure the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom. This is the 13th edition of EFW and this year's report ranks 141 countries for 2007, the most recent year for which comprehensive data are available.
Preventive, Unconditional and Constructive Dialogue: Resolving the North Korean Nuclear Issues
“There is no alternative to a preventive, unconditional and constructive dialogue in the framework of the Six-Party Talks to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula,” said Mr. Walter Klitz, head of FNF Korea office, during the 5th Jeju Peace Forum held in Jeju, South Korea on 11-13 August 2009. “All countries involved in the Six-Party Talks should pursue pro-active diplomacy in order to build up confidence.”
Graduation Ceremony for Graduates of Community Management Course in Cambodia
A graduation ceremony was held for 19 Cambodian students who successfully completed the 13-module, distance-learning “Community Management Course” (CMC). This special event was presided over by H.E. Frank M. Mann, German ambassador to Cambodia and H.E. Rafael Dochao Moreno, Chargé d’ Affairs of the European Commission Delegation to Cambodia.
Size Isn’t Everything: Economic Forum on Role of Small and Medium Enterprises
SunStar newspaper, in cooperation with the Philippine Economic Society and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF), held an economic forum on 26 August 2009 in Cebu City. The forum looked at what opportunities might arise for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Cebu as the world emerges from recession.
CALD Organises WEB 2.0 Workshop To Strengthen Freedom and Democracy
In this day and age, political communication serve as a vital component in connecting people to ideas and issues, and in providing a bridge between organisations and political parties to citizens and constituencies.
Thai Military Said To Have Found “The Perfect Niche” in Politics but Coup Is Unlikely
Another coup is unlikely in foreseeable future as the Thai military has already found “the perfect niche” for playing its role in national politics—pulling strings from behind the scenes, said a civil-military relations expert at a recent forum.
The Rule of Law as the Key to Economic Freedom?
The tenth international conference of the Economic Freedom Network Asia will convene at the Sofitel hotel in Seam Reap, Cambodia on 8-10 October 2009. It is shaping up as an event that should not be missed. Its title: Overcoming the Global Financial and Economic Crisis: The Rule of Law as the Key to Economic Freedom?
A Reflection on Cory Aquino (1933-2009)
Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino was one of the few people who managed to change the course of history. She managed to unify the opposition against the Marcos dictatorship, and by force of her simplicity and integrity, cast the contest in such stark terms of good vs. evil that people responded to her not as a politician but as a moral force.
Adam Interviewed on Democracy and Change
The Friedrich Naumann’s director for Southeast & East Asia regional office gave an interview on democracy and change ahead of the launch of an annual film contest in Bangkok. “Every democracy is constantly facing the challenge of change. At times, we have the illusion that we don’t need change, but people change. Sometimes, in longer time periods,” Dr. Rainer Adam said in the recent interview.
A Regional Body That Protects Human Rights As Much As It Promotes?
At a recent regional conference, a friendly discord emerged among the realists, the optimists and the skeptics of NGO activists, panelists and members of the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. What they mostly disagreed were in the details, concerns and expectations.
Workshop on ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation was one of the main sponsors of the eighth workshop on ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights in Bangkok on 14-15 July 2009. The other two sponsors were the European Union and a Canada-based NGO called “SEARCH”.
FNF Holds Forum on New Institutional Economics
Against the backdrop of a turbulent history of property rights issues, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) partnered with the Philippine Economic Society (PES) and the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE) and hosted two sets of forums with New Institutional economists John Nye and Noel Maurer.
FNF Board Member Meets Thai Foreign Minister in Bangkok
A board member of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) made a courtesy call to Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on the sidelines of his visit to Bangkok as a guest speaker for a training workshop. During their meeting on 23 June 2009 at the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Kasit commended the FNF for its contribution to public education and understanding of democracy.
Democracies need Democratic Policing
Human rights experts from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Maldives visited Germany to talk about police reforms. The goal of this week long visiting program was to exchange experiences and expertise which the participants will use for their work in South Asia. They are members of a South Asian network for police reform that is being established by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and the Foundation.
FNF Workshop: Creative Ways for Political Parties To Attract Public Involvement
There are several ways political parties with little funding can strengthen their public image while at the same time attract involvement and support from voters. “Lack of money is no excuse for lack of activities,” said Manfred Richter, a 61-year-old board member of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
Report: Thailand and Malaysia Remain on List of “Worst Places for Refugees”
Thailand and Malaysia remain among the top rankings of countries with the worst refugee treatment, according to the latest report by the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). Other “worst places for refugees,” include South Africa, Gaza, Kenya, Egypt and Turkey.
A Life between Politics and Academia: Lord Ralf Dahrendorf (1.5.1929 - 17.6.2009)
Shortly after his 80th birthday, Lord Ralf Dahrendorf, arguably one of the most renowned liberal thinkers of our time, died in Cologne on 17th June. The international family of liberals lost one of its most influential and unique intellectuals, and the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit a great former Chairman.
NGOs to Thai Government: Stop Talking Technicality and Start Protecting Burmese Migrants’ Rights
Two NGOs are urging the Thai Government to put words into action: stop categorizing Burmese fleeing atrocities in their home country as refugees or migrants and give them human rights protection.
FAN Training: Strategic Political Communication
FAN Malaysia, an alumni network of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, organised a workshop on Strategic Political Communication in Kuala Lumpur on 13 June 2009. The training workshop was modeled after a workshop on this subject provided by the FNF’s International Academy for Leadership (IAF) in Germany.
FNF Joins Thai Election Commission in 11th Anniversary Celebration
Dr. Rainer Adam, head of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Southeast & East Asia office, was invited to speak at a special seminar held as part of the Election Commission of Thailand’s 11th anniversary celebration. He was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the seminar, titled “77 years of Learning Democracy in Thailand and 11 Years of the Establishment of the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand” on 9 June 2009.
FNF Sponsors Workshops on Self-Development for Cambodia Students
“Even though we have reached our goal, we can still lose it in one day if we have no morality and commitment to continue or maintain it,” said a successful medical professional and guest speaker at the workshop “Self-Development for Changes” sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
„The Berlin Accord“ – Third Friedrich Naumann Foundation conference on the future of Kirkuk adopts signal political document
The title of the 28-30 April 2009 conference in the German Bundesrat: „Implementing the Dead Sea Declaration: Just and durable solutions to the challenges of governance in Kirkuk“. Funded by the German Foreign Office and the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations, the meeting thus explicitly built on the first two Friedrich Naumann Foundation conferences on Kirkuk in Jordan last year and notably on the Dead Sea Declaration of December 2008.
Speech on Freedom in Sofia - Wolfgang Gerhardt Meets Bulgarian Partners of the Foundation
The Chairman of the Management Board of Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation for Liberty, Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, Member of the Bundestag, gave a speech in defence of freedom before 150 guests and media representatives on April 7th in Sofia.
RELIAL partners among the word’s top think tanks
Nine partners of the Liberal Network of Latin America (RELIAL), an FNF cooperating organization, have gained a place among the TOP 25 think tanks in Latin America, Caribean and North America in the 2008 “global go-to think tanks” index.
New book introduces German SME policies in Indonesia
The Jakarta office of the Foundation published a compilation of German laws and policies in support of small and medium sized enterprises (SME). These include the German Law on Vocational Education, the Law on German Chambers of Commerce, and the Law on the German Bank for Reconstruction (KfW). The book also presents several German initiatives by local authorities as well as the central government.
"Internet:Enabling:Freedom" - International Virtual Conference
The International Virtual Conference Internet:Enabling:Freedom is focused on how political communication functions online. It is our aim to connect experts and liberal minded practitioners from around the world. Together we want to document, exchange and make available best practices to a broader audience by learning from each other.
Gerhardt discusses future of liberalism in Tunisia
During a recent visit to Tunisia, Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, Chairman of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and Vice President of Liberal International held talks with the leadership of LI Full Member the Parti Social Liberal (PSL) as well as senior officials of the Tunisian government and the Tunesian parliament.
Foundation facilitates a multi-party dialogue on the conflict over Kirkuk/Iraq
Twenty-three leading politicians and civil society officials from Kirkuk representing the major communities and political parties, including members of the Provincial Council, accepted the Foundation’s invitation to attend a workshop in Amman, Jordan on 10 – 14 May, 2008.
e-Learning Award granted to the International e-Academy
The concept launched by the International e-Academy for Leadership was recognized at the Hannover CeBIT Information Technology Trade Show with the European award for e-Learning “eureleA 2008”.
Strengthening Networks and Combating Human Trafficking: LI and CALD Hold a Conference on Human Rights
Liberal International (LI) and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and the Taiwan Fund for Democracy, organized the conference “Strengthening Networks and Combating Human Trafficking” in Taipei, Taiwan from December 7-10 2007. Hosted by the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (DPP), the conference was designed to create awareness of human trafficking in Asia, to analyze its dynamics and to work out policy responses. It also looked at the role of liberal parties and parliamentarians in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Jürgen Wickert appointed coordinator of ENOP
On his first General Assembly on 7 November 2007 in the European Office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Brussels, the “European Network of Political Foundations” (ENOP) has elected Dr. Jürgen D. Wickert (Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit) as its new coordinator for two years. ENoP consists of 41 members from 19 countries and is not an umbrella organization but a cooperation to represent the interests of the 5 political families in Europe concerning the EU.
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From Object to Subject. Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe’s External Relations
A Joint International Conference in Berlin November 5-6th, 2007, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung (FNSt) and Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
A Joint International Conference in Berlin November 5-6th, 2007, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung (FNSt) and Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
The forthcoming European-African Summit in Lisbon December 8-9th 2007 - the first one since the Cairo Summit in 2000 – is proof that Africa is not excluded from the rest of the world. In fact, Africa is part and parcel of international politics and the world economy. Against this background this international conference “From Object to Subject. Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe’s External Relations” took place at an appropriate time and offered a unique opportunity for Africans, Europeans and Americans to critically discuss and review the difficult and sometimes delicate relationship between the European Union (EU), African Union (AU) and its Sub-Saharan member states.
Belarus: An outsider to the political values and structures of Europe
In terms of geography Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe. Nevertheless it remains an outsider to the political values and structures of Europe. Ruled by an autocratic leader, the people of Belarus do not enjoy the same liberties and opportunities as the citizens of the countries of the EU. Therefore it is important to strengthen the civil society in Belarus.
Political advocacy in Tanzania
The Civic United Front (CUF) in Tanzania completed the advocacy training for its councillors as planned at the end of October 2007. With the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation East Africa (FNF) office trainings programmes were conducted in eight stations and managed to reach almost all 168 CUF councillors in the country.
Burma ‘on the brink of a Humanitarian Crisis’; Civil War Possible
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Regional Office South Asia: Audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
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| Dr. René Klaff in the Audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
Global Launch of the Economic Freedom Index of the World 2007 in New-Delhi
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| Release of Economic Freedom Index of the World 2007 |
50th Anniversary of Ayn Rand
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| Katrin Bannach, FNSt South Asia addresses the gathering |
South Africa: Is conformity of views the aim?
Ms. Raenette Taljaard the director of the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), one the Foundation’s partners in South Africa, comments on the possible arrest of the Sunday Times editor for making documents available relevant to whether the Minister of Health is fit to hold public office. The notion of arrest has raised criticism among civil society groups and the opposition for the infringement on press freedom.
Consultancy for liberal reform party in India
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| Group picture |
In support of promoting Liberal Principles
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TII, Indonesia and Lion Rock, Hong Kong - Winners of EFN Asia 2007 Awards
We are delighted to announce the winners of the first EFN Asia Awards. They are the Indonesian Institute, Center for Public Policy Research (TII) and the Lion Rock Institute.
Conference: New Approaches to Conflict-Management in the Middle East under Scrutiny
The Middle Eastern Region has a large number of long-standing conflicts, of which the most relevant are the Israeli-Arab conflict and the conflict over hegemony in the Gulf since the collapse of state structures in Iraq. There is a controversy in the international political debate over the correct approach that promises more success in resolving these conflicts: the sub-regional or the multilateral.
MEP Alexander Graf Lambsdorff visits Turkey
Alexander Count LAMBSDORFF, Member of the European Parliament visited Turkey from August 11 to 14, amid the debates over Turkey’s accession to the European Union are becoming more intense with the victory of Islamic rooted AKP, Justice and Development Party success at the general election held on 22 July 07.
Apply for 2007 Freda Utley Prize for Advancing Liberty!
Organisations and think-tanks are encouraged to apply for the 2007 Freda Utley Prize, which rewards the efforts of non-governmental organisations to effectively spread the ideas of freedom in difficult parts of the world. This annual prize offers a $10,000 reward to a single winner that demonstrates excellence in reaching a broad audience or making substantial impact on opinion-makers to make concepts related to freedom better understood.
Security Conference on “Democratization and Security in Central Eurasia”
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North Korea: Seminar on the Economics of International Trade and Investment
Although it still seems a far way to go until the DPR Korea considers an integration into the WTO or regional trade agreements there is still a great interest in the topic.
Efficiency and Good Governance in Regulatory Bodies – need of the hour
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| Dr. Salman Shah |
Pakistan IAF Alumni network becomes the FreedomGaters
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FNSt Partner conferred with the "Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2007"
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| Dr. Raghuvanshi |
Running a Successful Liberal Youth Organisation
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| Group photo |
'India-FAN' formed to develop Liberal Network
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| Group photo |
“National champions” - a waste of taxpayers’ money
Large multinational corporations have financial capacities that exceed the gross domestic product of entire countries. Their enormous contribution to employment, growth and fiscal revenues makes it understandable that governments are tempted to nurture local companies to turn them into “national champions”. However, experts attending the recent International Conference on Competition by the Federal Cartel Office agreed that nurturing these national giants makes them dependent on government support rather than allow them to be competitive in international markets.
Turkish MP advisers visit Brussels and Berlin
Ten advisers of members of the Turkish Parliament visited Brussels and Berlin in order to be informed about Turkish-EU relations, the assessment of Turkish EU politics from a European point of view and the status quo of Turkish chances to enter the European Union.
Thai Prime Minister vows to fully support the creation of an ASEAN Human Rights Commission
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New study shows Property Rights laws boost prosperity
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Liberal MP visits Turkey
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'Regional Economic Integration an essential precondition for a peaceful South Asia’ says Dr. Gerhardt
Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, MP and Chairman of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, underlined the importance of a functioning market economy for creation of a prosperous, open, peaceful South Asia, free from poverty and oppression. He was speaking at the 2nd SAARC Business Leaders Conclave on the topic of "Regional Cooperation: A Springboard for Growth and Job Creation" held in Mumbai from 17-18th February 2007.
Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, Chairman FNF, Visits India
From its Regional Office South Asia in Delhi, Friedrich Naumann Foundation implements a broad spectrum of projects in the areas of market economy, rule of law, civic education and conflict prevention. Interactions with Project Partners, politicians, business leaders and security experts – the program of Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt was tight!
Foundation kicked off European election campaign
The FNF in Sofia kicked off European election year 2007 with a series of political training courses. In May probably, 18 members of the European Parliament will be elected in Bulgaria, which, after 17 years of transformation, is no longer a satellite state of the USSR, but a full member of the EU.
THE ART OF ASKING
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SMED: Launching SME Policy Reforms to face the Challenges in the SAARC Region
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“India-US Nuclear Agreement: Deal or No Deal?”
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Pakistani Liberals visited Germany
A delegation of seven liberal Pakistanis hailing from FNSt partners in Pakistan visited Germany on the invitation of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF). The delegation comprised of senior members of Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP), Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) as well as a leading liberal journalist of the country.
Restructuring Relations between Western and Islamic Countries
This was the topic of the 3rd International Roundtable on "Constructing Peace, Deconstructing Terror" which was held in Brussels on 26/27. November 2007, jointly organized by the Mumbai-based Strategic Foresight Group, the liberal fraction of the European Parliament "Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)" and the Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation.
Human Rights Forum and Book Launch Stress Importance of Rule of Law, Individual Liberty
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| Siegfried Herzog |
Making the Market Work for the Poor
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| Siegfried Herzog |
Local Autonomy and Successful Local Economic Development
In South Korea, local autonomy has been so far discussed mainly from the institutional and political points of view. However, in the era of “Glocalization” (meaning the impact of globalisation on local politics and economy) one also needs to evaluate local autonomy from the economic perspective, in particular, the opportunities and challenges of local governments.
Liberalism, Youth & Democracy in South Asia
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Technology for Rural, Micro and SME Development
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Free Trade and Minimum State Intervention key ingredients of Regional Cooperation...
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SPARC Earthquake Consultation
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Hun Sen declares support for an Independent Human Rights Institution
“We want to establish a National Human Rights Institution based on the Paris Principles,” declared Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia during his keynote address at a conference on the Establishment of a National Human Rights Institution in Cambodia.
EFN Asia discusses the merits of free trade
The benefits of free trade have been proven, with empirical studies, to increase wealth and economic growth for nations. Yet populist NGOs usually condemn trade agreements for their effects on marginalized communities. How useful are bilateral free trade agreements? A conference organised by FNF Southeast and East Asia discussed this question in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the 8th EFN Asia Annual Conference.
Member of the German Bundestag visits Pakistan
Liberal parliamentarian gains herself a first impression of the country
Liberal parliamentarian gains herself a first impression of the country
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| Ms. Hoff, MP with Mr. Gul |
Meeting of the FNSt Alumni in India
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| Alumni |
Economic Freedom Index of the World 2006 released in India ...
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| Report |
FNSt-EU Joint project on 'Prevention of Torture'
India’s quest to be a global player is in keeping with its initiatives to strengthen democracy. Strong democratic institutions are the key to a free society and dynamic individuals. Respect for human rights is a pre-condition for the strengthening of such institutions.
Functioning Market Economy a key ingredient to Freedom and Development...
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1st German Muslim Dialogue
Legal representation of the Muslim faith and matters of integrating the Muslim community into the fabrics of German liberal democracy are the major issues to be discussed with the German government in the next 2-3 years.
IAF Alumni conferred with Magsaysay award!
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De-regulation – SMED and FCCISL take the Lead
FNSt Partner SMED organized a highly successful "Key persons' Forum" in collaboration with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL).
Drive Against Bribe Campaign
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