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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Stories of MENA: Jourieh Al-Rabih, the Syrian Malala
A rosy fragrance seems to float in the air at the mere pronunciation of her name:Jourieh Al-Rabih or the rose of spring. Not any rose. The rose of Damascus or, rather, of Aleppo.
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Strengthening Jordan-Germany Ties: A Gathering of Humboldt
Amman, Jordan – The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF-MENA) hosted a distinguished gathering on the evening of Saturday, 22 March 2025,
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Geopolitical Risk and Banking Performance
The stability and profitability of banks are crucial for economic growth and maintaining depositor confidence.
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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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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.
Social Media
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من قلب تونس الخضراء 🇹🇳، تبرز منال مراد نموذجًا ملهمًا للمرأة التونسية بعلمها، ومعرفتها، وشغفها بالعطاء. ما بدأ كمحاولة لمساعدة طفلتها على التعايش مع مرض السكري، تحول إلى "ستارتب سكري"—شركة ناشئة تُحدث فرقًا حقيقيًا. منال لم تكتفِ بالتحدي، بل حوّلته إلى فرصة لتمكين الآخرين، مقدّمةً الدعم والتوعية والحلول لمختلف الفئات العمرية، لتساعدهم في عيش حياتهم اليومية بنمط صحي وآمن. #sheleads_podcast Fondation Friedrich Naumann pour la Liberté - Tunisie
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English Below: ⬇ في خيمة صغيرة وسط سهل البقاع اللبناني، ازدهر حلم شابة رغم كل الصعاب. تعرّفوا على جورية الربيع، "وردة دمشق" وملالا السورية، التي حوّلت زاويةً من ملجأ عائلتها إلى مدرسة للأطفال اللاجئين. ما بدأ بخمسة عشر طالبًا على أرضية ترابية، أصبح ملاذًا آمنًا لـ 350 طفلًا، لا سيما الفتيات اللواتي كنّ عرضة للحرمان من التعليم. بشغفها وصمودها، تحدّت جورية التقاليد الصارمة، والعوائق المادية، والحواجز الاجتماعية، مؤكدةً أن إرادة امرأة واحدة قادرة على إحداث تغيير في حياة لا العديد من الأفراد. رحلة جورية لم تنتهِ بعد، وتأثيرها بدأ للتو، لمعرفة المزيد حول قصتها الملهمة على موقعنا الالكتروني: https://www.freiheit.org/middle-east-and-north-africa/stories-mena-jourieh-al-rabih-syrian-malala In a small tent in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, a young woman’s dream blossomed against all odds. Meet Jourieh Al-Rabih, the “Rose of Damascus” and the Syrian Malala, who turned a corner of her family’s shelter into a school for refugee children. What started with 15 students on a dirt floor grew into a safe haven for 350 children, especially girls who would otherwise be denied an education. With nothing but passion and resilience, Jourieh defied strict traditions, financial struggles, and societal barriers—proving that one woman’s will can change countless lives. Her path is still ahead, and her change is just beginning. Read her inspiring story on our website: https://www.freiheit.org/middle-east-and-north-africa/stories-mena-jourieh-al-rabih-syrian-malala
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Strengthening Jordan-Germany Ties: A Gathering of Humboldt Fellows 🎥
