FES in the MENA region

"Development policy is the peace policy of the 21st century"

Willy Brandt’s affirmation has become the philosophy behind our daily work. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) feels a particular responsibility for contributing to development and democracy worldwide. Looking towards the future, we regard it as our task to help: 

• safeguard democratic structures by involving as many social groups as possible,
• promote economic reform and a policy of social justice,
• formulate common basic values to guide socio-political development.

The region of the Middle East and North Africa. This region is characterized by a limited integration and an extreme heterogeneity in terms of language, culture, and religion on the one hand. On the other hand the countries of the region are, historically speaking, tightly interlinked. Through its work, the FES pursues the goal of promoting pluralism and democracy, supporting healthy, sustained economic and social development and contributing to a more sustainable approach towards the environment and natural resources in the region. Equality for women and the promotion of human rights in general are of particular significance in this process. Apart from country-based or bilateral projects, the FES engages with the region as a whole. In 2003, for example, it was the first NGO to enter into a cooperation agreement with the League of Arab States on a more in-depth dialogue about regional issues. Moreover, the FES promotes deeper Euro-Mediterranean dialogue, including civil society networking across the Mediterranean region.

Learn more about FES in the MENA Region and visit the German website

Visit FES-MENA