Myanmar
FNF Myanmar: Thank You for the Journey!

FNF Staff in Myanmar Project
© FNF MyanmarAfter years of working together to advance freedom, democracy, and human rights, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is bidding farewell to Myanmar. While this chapter is coming to a close, the values we stand for remain as vital as ever.
Though its engagement in Myanmar had begun long before, the foundation officially established its office in Yangon in 2013. For more than a decade, FNF worked hand in hand with local partners to promote liberal values, democracy, and human rights. Throughout the years, the foundation has collaborated with government agencies, parliaments, political parties, civil society organizations, and liberal-minded individuals, fostering dialogue and driving meaningful change.
On December 12, 2024, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) hosted its last annual farewell networking event, bringing together more than 150 friends and partners who have been part of our journey. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future.
Former Project Directors Katrin Bannach and Frederic Spohr and former Regional Director Siegfried Herzog, joined online. Vanessa Steinmetz, our current Project Director, and Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff, our Regional Director, traveled to Myanmar to personally bid farewell to our esteemed guests. Their presence underscored the deep connections and shared commitment that have defined our work over the years.
At the event, FNF’s close alumni and partners shared farewell messages.
FNF has nurtured our young, small organization to become a much larger and stronger association which can now secure a lot of grants and funding. We feel so much gratitude towards FNF in this regard, putting trust on us!

FNF has been instrumental in growing my organization. FNF is not just a donor but a comrade, who works with us on the ground to make things happen. Thank you for your understanding and support to our organization. We will truly miss you!

For the past three years, working in a shrinking space for freedom has been challenging. Many international organizations have left, but we were able to continue - thanks to the strength and dedication of our local partners. Despite increasing restrictions and uncertainty, they remained committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and liberal values. Their courage and adaptability made it possible for FNF to keep working and supporting important initiatives.
FNF is deeply grateful to our partners, alumni, and friends who have joined us on this journey. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to creating a freer, more open society have been the driving force behind our work. Though our presence here may end, the fight for freedom never stops. We encourage you to continue standing up for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The networks we have built, the knowledge we have shared, and the impact we have made will live on.
Thank you for being part of our story. Until we meet again, keep fighting for freedom!

Regional Director Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff giving an opening speech at FNF Myanmar's Farewell Dinner
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Project Director Vanessa Steinmetz giving a closing remarks at FNF Farewell Dinner
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Panel Discussion Hosted by Biak Hlei Sung, Executive Programme Manager of FNF Myanmar (Leftmost)
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Aung Thu Hein, Executive Programme Manager, giving his farewell message in Myanmar
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FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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Registration at FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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Esteemed Guests at FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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Networking at FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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Goethe's Director at FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking

FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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Old Friends at FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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Young alumni May Su sharing her perspective at the panel discussion
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Esteemed Guests at FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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Guests looking at FNF Publications at FNF Myanmar Farewell Networking
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