Visiting Program

Lebanese Youth in Berlin

From 9 to 13 September, 2025, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Lebanon & Syria organized a Visiting Program to Berlin that brought together Lebanese students, winners of the Model Youth Parliament, and Model Good Governance. Over five days, the group immersed themselves in Germany’s democratic institutions, explored the culture and history of Berlin, and reflected on what it means to be an active participant in public life.

Parliamentarism in Practice

Parliamentarism was at the heart of the program. The delegation visited the Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, where they observed how legislation is debated, scrutinized, and passed. Walking through the Reichstag’s iconic glass dome, they discovered a powerful symbol of transparency: citizens and visitors looking down onto the parliamentary chamber as a constant reminder that representatives are accountable to the people.

The experience was complemented by a session at the Institute for Parliamentary Research (IParl), where experts explained how parliaments depend on research and evidence to strengthen democratic oversight. The group also took part in the Europa Experience, a role-playing simulation of the European Parliament, where they practiced negotiation, compromise, and consensus-building in a diverse assembly.

Political Landscape and Coalition Culture

Through lectures and discussions, participants gained insights into Germany’s pluralist party system and coalition politics. They learned how parties such as the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and FDP cooperate and compete in building governments, while newer actors like Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht and the AfD shape parliamentary debates. Coalition culture was presented as a democratic practice in itself, where dialogue and negotiation are essential to maintaining political stability. Through these discussions, the students learned that democracy is not static but constantly adapting, requiring institutions capable of reconciling differences and representing a wide spectrum of society.

Liberal Networks and Global Solidarity

The program also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and liberal networks. During their visit to FNF’s headquarters in Potsdam, participants engaged with colleagues from the MENA region to explore how liberal values are promoted across different contexts. They also met with the Head of the Scholarship Department, gaining insights into the opportunities the foundation provides for international students, not only in advancing their careers but also in deepening their political education.

In Berlin, a visit to Democracy Reporting International (DRI) introduced participants to debates on the intersection of democracy and technology. Here, the group examined both the potential of digital tools for political engagement and the risks of disinformation, underscoring the importance of critical media literacy in safeguarding democratic life.

History and Memory as Democratic Anchors

Berlin’s history became a living classroom for the delegation. Walking tours and site visits underscored how memory and politics are interwoven in the city’s identity. From the remains of the Berlin Wall to the Brandenburg Gate, participants saw how the city continues to embody both the scars of division and the promise of unity.

The visit to the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe left a profound impression on the group. In the underground exhibition, participants were invited to reflect on the devastating consequences of authoritarianism and the enduring need for historical accountability. 

Youth Engagement and Leadership

A leadership session with Hussam Erhayel from Better Politics Foundation encouraged participants to reflect on their own capacities as young leaders and the skills needed to navigate political life with purpose and responsibility.

An exchange with the Young Liberals (JuLis) board members Mats-Ole Maretzke and Niklas Wagner highlighted how youth organizations in Germany are actively engaged in shaping party policies and preparing future leaders. The meeting illustrated that young people are not confined to the margins of political life but can play a decisive role in renewing democratic systems.

The Visiting Program to Berlin gave participants a deep and multifaceted understanding of how democracy works in practice. As the program concluded, participants had learned that democracy is not an abstract concept but a practice that requires accountability, openness, and active engagement.