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Twinning for Change

Against a backdrop of regional transformation and renewed demands for inclusive governance, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), in partnership with the Al Hurriya Liberal Network (AHLN), is convening a regional workshop titled “Twinning for Change: Shaping the Future in the MENA Region.” The event, held in the Tunisian capital, brings together 16 young political activists from Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Morocco, and Tunisia for three days of dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building.

The workshop is coordinated by Yasmeen Alnajdawi, Regional Project Coordinator at FNF MENA, and facilitated by Mirna Mneimneh, President of AHLN. Together, they are leading a program that puts young voices at the center of political conversations and party development efforts.

A Cross-Border Platform for Political Change
The “Twinning for Change” initiative responds to a persistent challenge: young people in the Middle East and North Africa continue to face systemic and cultural barriers to political engagement. Even as they demonstrate a growing interest in leadership and governance, many youth remain excluded from formal political processes, particularly within traditional party structures.

This regional gathering aims to break those barriers by creating a safe and dynamic space for peer-to-peer exchange. Through structured twinning sessions, participants share lessons from their respective countries, exploring both the challenges and opportunities of youth participation in political parties. The sessions aim to build mutual trust, highlight innovative approaches to civic engagement, and amplify youth voices in policy discussions.

Building a Generation of Political Changemakers
“Twinning for Change” is more than a workshop, it is a call to action. It reflects FNF’s and AHLN’s shared commitment to supporting liberal values, inclusive governance, and the political empowerment of the region’s youth. By equipping young leaders with the knowledge, tools, and networks to engage with political systems more effectively, the program plants the seeds for long-term democratic renewal.

As the MENA region continues to confront political, social, and economic challenges, investing in the next generation of political actors is not only a strategic priority, it is a necessity.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from this impactful regional gathering in Tunis.