Friedrich Naumann Foundation
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) is a German "independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation that is committed to promoting liberal policy and politics." [1] Inspired by the principles of Liberalism, it aims to advance the value of human rights, the rule of law, liberal democracy and the free market economy.
FNF is partly funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development. FNF is active in the Middle East, it has had offices in Egypt, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco. The main objective of its work in the Middle East is to reinforce the "advancement of liberal forces in Israel and the advancement of understanding between the Jewish majorities and the Arab minorities in Israel." [2]
In many ways, FNF is similar to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and to a lesser extent the National Endowment for Democracy or the Open Society Institute. All these foundations aim to influence the political and social climate in key countries under the guise of fostering "liberal" values or "civil society". Just like WFD, FNF is a sinecure for some of its politicians, a platform to become involved in foreign policy, a means to weather years out of office and a route back into government.
FNF works with the American Jewish Committee in organizing events and hosting each others' researchers/operatives. The aim is to promote understanding and combat intolerance of ethnic groups. [3]
Contents
Activities
FNF provides training for election observers in various countries. For example, in Ghana, FNF worked alongside the Ghana Center For Democratic Development (CDD) to train over 5,500 observers for the 2000 elections. [4] FNF works in co-operation with partner organisations throughout Germany and abroad to promote and extend democratic practices. [5] FNF acts as a think tank where out-of-office politicians can hang out before entering politics or government. Policy papers aim to influence contemporary policy. FNF offers scholarships to foreign students to pursue post-graduate degrees in Germany. [6]
Principals
Board of Trustees
| Board of Trustees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Walter Scheel - Chairman of honour | Jürgen Morlok - Chairman | Peter Menke-Glückert, Vice Chairman |
| Karl-Hans Laermann, Vice Chairman | Thomas Bach | Hans D. Barbier |
| Bruno Benthien | Hinrich Enderlein | Dieter Fertsch-Röver |
| Ulrich Fickel | Richard Fudickar | Josef M. Gerwald |
| Ulrich Goll | Helmut Haussmann | Peter Jeutter |
| Detlef Kleinert | Günter Kröber | Karl-Ulrich Kuhlo |
| Heinz Lanfermann | Walter Rasch | Horst Rehberger MdL |
| Hermann Rind | Peter-Emil Rupp | Cornelia Schmalz-Jacobsen |
| Helmut Schmidt | Renate Schneider | Hermann Otto Solms |
| Ruth Wagner | Joachim Werren | |
| Source [7] | ||
Board of Directors
- Wolfgang Gerhardt President
- Jürgen Morlok Chairman
- Wolf-Dieter Zumpfort VP
- Axel Hoffmann VP
- Manfred Richter Treasurer
- Hubertus Müller-Groeling
- Irmgard Schwaetzer
- Rolf Berndt Exec. Chairman
Representatives
- Manfred Ziemek -- Representative in Istambul, Turkey
- Alexander Mohr -- Former representative in Zimbabwe
Affiliations
- American Jewish Committee (works together with FNF on various projects; see AJC Weekly Update #217)
- UN Watch
Contact
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation Website (German): www.fnst.de
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation Website (Philippines): www.fnf.org.ph
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation Website (Southeast Asia): www.fnfasia.org
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation Website (Africa): www.africa.fnst.org
External Resources
- Mel Frykberg, Palestinian article describes German government payments to NGOs to influence public opinion, Jerusalem Times, 26 February 2002.
External Links
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation (English) http://www.fnst-freiheit.org/webcom/show_article.php/_c-705/i.html
Memorable Quotes
"The idea of liberalism has to be recreated. In the course of time it has lost so much of its clarity and attraction that it first has to rise like a new dawn in front of the people." Friedrich Naumann (1906) [9]
References
- ^ Friedrich Naumann Foundation, About Us (Accessed 26 August 2007)
- ^ Mel Frykberg, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Jerusalem Times [Palestinian publication], 26 February 2002.
- ^ American Jewish Committee, Testimony to the Commission on Security and Co-operation in Europe
- ^ Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Ghana
- ^ Friedrich Naumann Foundation Africa, Training in Freedom
- ^ Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Our Scholarship Programme
- ^ Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Board of Trustees
- ^ Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Board of Directors
- ^ Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Political principles
