South Asia
The Foundation was established in Germany in 1958. It aims to promote the goal of making the principle of freedom valid for the dignity of all people and in all areas of society, both in Germany and abroad. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom works in over 65 countries worldwide. In South Asia we have offices in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Additionally we work with partners in Nepal. We promote civic education, trainings and the exchange of ideas in the region in four focal areas. These are economic freedom, human rights, urban governance and digital transformation. In addition to the country projects, the Foundation supports regional programs.
News
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LGBTQIA+ Matters Online Hackathon
On May 17, 2023, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Regional Office for South Asia organized an online hackathon event titled "Strengthening Dialogue and Cooperation between South Asia and the European Union on LGBTQIA+ Matters" to coincide with the International Day against Homophobia, Bi-phobia, and Trans-phobia.
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Seeking Marriage Equality
What is currently taking place at the Supreme Court of India is nothing short of a historical moment. After the Supreme Court decriminalized Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and held that same-sex conduct between two consenting adults would not be a criminal offence, it is now hearing 19 petitions which have been filed seeking marriage equality and legal recognition of marriage between two persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Strengthening Dialogue and Cooperation between South Asia and the European Union on LGBTQIA+ Matters
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Asia is organizing the hackathon “Strengthening Dialogue and Cooperation between South Asia and the European Union on LGBTQIA+ Rights” to bring together individuals both the European Union and South Asia to collaborate and develop ideas and solutions in the area of LGBTQIA+ rights and issues.
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Pakistan in der Krise
Am 9. Mai wurde der pakistanische Ex-Premier und Oppositionsführer Imran Khan in einer spektakulären Aktion von paramilitärischen Einheiten in einem Gerichtssaal festgenommen. Die darauf folgenden landesweiten Demonstrationen und Ausschreitungen sind nur der vorläufige Höhepunkt eines politischen Machtkampfes, der seit einem Jahr die politischen Institutionen in ihrer Entscheidungsfähigkeit lähmt. Die aktuellen Ereignisse sind Ausdruck einer Verschiebung des etablierten politischen Machtgefüges in Pakistan.
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Oppositionsführer und Ex-Premier Imran Khan verhaftet
Am 9. Mai hat der bereits ein Jahr andauernde Machtkampf zwischen Ex-Premierminister Imran Khan und der aktuellen Koalitionsregierung unter Premier-Minister Shabaz Sharif einen neuen und überraschenden Höhepunkt erreicht: Imran Khan wurde im Gerichtsgebäude von einem Aufgebot paramilitärischer Einheiten festgenommen und unter tumultartigen Umständen weggebracht. Innerhalb kürzester Zeit kam es landesweit in zahlreichen Städten zu gewaltsamen Ausschreitungen und Straßenblockaden seiner Anhänger.
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Nepal’s Democratic Transition: Turbulent but Promising
While the situation in Nepal appears to be chaotic at the moment, what is evident among countries globally that have gone through such transitions is that they have all faced a similar challenge. Nepal’s transition from an authoritarian regime to a multi-party democracy was merely over 30 years ago. Much like other young democracies, Nepal is still struggling to make intricate adjustments on the executive, legislative, and judicial fronts, whilst also ensuring that the problems of the previous system are addressed, and good practices retained.
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Water Diplomacy in South Asia
The policy brief draws attention to certain generic and a few specific patterns related to discourses around water diplomacy. First, an attempt has been undertaken to examine the nature of the mainstream water diplomacy discourse, which has become prominent in recent years with respect to India and her neighbours. In this regard, issues which were often marginalised in existing water diplomacy discourses have been brought to the forefront. Second, a policy framework has been propounded to reconcile these tensions by engaging with the meta and micro narratives of water diplomacy.
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Impact of the War in Ukraine: Afghanistan’s perspective
The shock waves of the Ukraine war have impacted energy and grain markets worldwide, including countries like Afghanistan. According to World Food Programme (WFP) reports, the prices of basic commodities such as grains, cooking oils, and fuel began to rise in February 2022. While they picked up in June of the same year, they declined in its second half.
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The war in Ukraine: Impact on Pakistan’s energy security
Pakistan has long dealt with energy-insecurity, a state of affairs exacerbated by the disastrous economic effects of the pandemic, floods and war in Ukraine. While some experts warned Pakistan that its energy dependence was untenable, there were others who believed such concerns were overblown thanks to the abundance and low cost of Liquefied Natural Gas. The war in Ukraine has proven the latter group wrong.
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Russian offensive and impression in South Asia: Perspective from Nepal
The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to crises of widely diverging natures in Europe and around the world. Prime amongst these was the re-evaluation of nations’ political principles. The shortages of absolute essentials revealed the challenges the global system of supply faces, the resultant inflation placing hurdles for governments in various spheres.
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The Politics of location and the question of national interest: The war in Ukraine and Bangladesh’s choices
As the world faces a crisis of this magnitude, the West is now paying attention to the strategic choices of the rest of the world, particularly those of emerging voices. Bangladesh, in this context, emerges as a country whose choices must be laid out clearly.
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Impact of war in Ukraine on Sri Lanka
Since the war began in Ukraine in February 2022, it has triggered a cascade of global issues. The ripple effects of the war in Ukraine are widespread, and it threatens many sectors of the world's economy, leading to high inflation and market instabilities. As a developing country, Sri Lanka is vulnerable to disruption in supply chains, high food inflation and other socio-economic catastrophes triggered by the situation.
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War in Ukraine and its impact on South Asia
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a complex and multi-faceted issue with historical origins. Ukraine has borne its devastating consequences for almost a year now. Russia attempts to justify the war by citing its national security interests and portraying the offensive as necessary for the protection of the ethnic Russian population in eastern Ukraine; however, it has violated several international normative principles.
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Research Consultant
In order to promote cooperation and understanding between South Asia and the European Countries on LGBTQIA+ community, the FNF aims to write an overview paper.
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Knowledge Partner for the organization of a Hackathon
In an effort to develop ideas to strengthen cooperation and understanding between countries in South Asia and the European Union specifically in the area of LGBTQ rights and issues, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is looking for a consultant to organize a hackathon.
Social Media
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🌟 We are delighted to introduce Dan Grinevics, Economic Attaché (JPD) at the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as our esteemed guest! 🇪🇺✨ With his extensive expertise in economics and international relations, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to our LGBTQIA+ Matters event. His insights and guidance will be invaluable as we explore innovative solutions to promote equality and inclusivity. Join us in welcoming Dan Grinevics as we embark on a journey of collaboration and progress for LGBTQIA+ matters. Stay tuned for his valuable contributions and let's work together to create a brighter future! RSVP here: https://fnfsouthasia.typeform.com/c/HGRgrnZK #GuestSpotlight #LGBTQIAMatters #EconomicExpert #Collaboration #Hackathon2023
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🌟 Introducing our esteemed jury member, Milosz Hodun! 🇵🇱✨ As an expert at the Nowoczesna party and a dedicated board member of Projekt: Polska Association, Milosz brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to social progress. With a deep understanding of political dynamics and a passion for advocating for marginalized communities, Milosz's expertise is invaluable to our event. Their dedication to driving positive change aligns perfectly with the spirit of our hackathon. Join us in welcoming Milosz Hodun to our event, as we celebrate their valuable contributions in recognizing and celebrating the innovative solutions developed by our talented participants. RSVP here: https://fnfsouthasia.typeform.com/c/HGRgrnZK #JuryMemberSpotlight #LGBTQIAMatters #BORNWITHPRIDE
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🌟 We are thrilled to introduce our next esteemed jury member, Tenzin Mariko! 🙌 As a public figure and Tibetan icon, Mariko's presence adds a unique perspective to our event. Tenzin Mariko's influential voice and dedication to empowering marginalized communities make them an invaluable addition to our panel. Mariko's passion for equality and representation resonates deeply with the goals of our hackathon. Join us in welcoming Tenzin Mariko to our event in Colombo, and stay tuned for Mariko's remarkable contributions as we recognize and celebrate the innovative solutions developed by our talented participants. RSVP here: https://fnfsouthasia.typeform.com/c/HGRgrnZK #LGBTQIAMatters #Tibetan #BORNWITHPRIDE
