News & Events

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Latest News

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Seminar on "Foundations of Free Society" Held in Trabzon

December 5

A seminar exploring the core principles of a free society took place in Trabzon, bringing together participants for discussion on liberal thought and civic engagement.

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VII Liberal Youth Congress

October 22

The seventh Liberal Youth Congress was organized with support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, gathering young liberals to exchange ideas and build networks.

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Promoting LGBTI Inclusion in Employment

2015

In cooperation with Kaos GL Association, the foundation continued its project on promoting LGBTI people in employment. A three-part research study was completed and its final report shared with the public.

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Panel on Long-Term Capacity Bookings in the Energy Sector

November 26, 2015 — Ankara

A panel addressing long-term capacity bookings in the energy sector was held in Ankara, convening experts and stakeholders for policy dialogue.

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Opinion Poll: "Void of Liberalism" Published

2016

The foundation published an opinion poll titled "Void of Liberalism: A View on Liberal Values in Turkey," examining public attitudes toward liberal principles.

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Boris Nemtsov Prize Awarded

June 12, 2016

The Boris Nemtsov Prize was awarded in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, honoring contributions to the advancement of freedom and democracy.

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FNF Greece: "Moving Greece Forward" Goes US

The FNF Greece initiative "Moving Greece Forward" extended its reach to the United States, fostering transatlantic liberal dialogue.

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Spanish Elections: Liberals Gaining Momentum

As Spanish elections approached, liberal parties showed growing momentum, reflecting broader European trends in liberal political engagement.

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Consultation on Syrian Refugee Integration

A consultation meeting was held regarding the integration of Syrian refugees into civic life, focusing on practical pathways for participation and inclusion.

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e-Participation for Sustainable City Workshop in Mersin

A workshop on e-participation for sustainable urban development took place in Mersin, exploring digital tools for civic engagement.

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Refugee Women Journalists Win Raif Badawi Award 2016

Refugee women journalists from Halabja were awarded the Raif Badawi Award 2016, recognizing their courageous reporting under difficult circumstances.

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Panel on Human Rights Mechanisms and Civil Liberties

May 4–7 — Polonezköy

A panel titled "Turkey, The Human Rights Mechanisms, and the Monitoring of Civil Liberties" was held in Polonezköy, examining institutional safeguards for fundamental freedoms.

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İstanbul Competition Association Activity

May 27, 2016

The İstanbul Branch of the Competition Association organized an activity with support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.

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Liberal Solutions for Tunisia Discussed

Discussions were held on liberal policy solutions for Tunisia, addressing the country's democratic transition and economic reform challenges.

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Entrepreneurship Training in Antalya

An entrepreneurship training program was conducted in Antalya, equipping participants with practical business and innovation skills.

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10th Competitiveness Congress with Dr. Philipp Rösler

The 10th Competitiveness Congress featured a keynote address by Dr. Philipp Rösler, focusing on economic freedom and competitive markets.

Publications

Promoting LGBTI People in Employment — Final Report A three-part research study conducted with Kaos GL Association, shared with the public and relevant stakeholders.
Void of Liberalism: A View on Liberal Values in Turkey An opinion poll examining public attitudes toward liberal principles across Turkey.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty maintains a strong commitment to promoting liberal democracy and human rights across Turkey. Through a variety of seminars, workshops, and public discussions, the foundation brings together activists, academics, and civil society representatives to explore the principles of individual freedom, the rule of law, and a market economy. These gatherings serve as platforms for open dialogue on pressing societal issues, from secularism and religious liberty to the rights of minority groups. By fostering cooperation between Turkish and European partners, the foundation contributes to a deeper understanding of liberal values and their practical application in contemporary society.

In the realm of civil society development, the foundation supports local organizations working to strengthen democratic participation and civic engagement. Capacity-building programs help emerging leaders and grassroots initiatives develop the skills needed to advocate effectively for policy reforms. Training sessions cover topics such as project management, advocacy strategies, and coalition building, empowering citizens to take an active role in shaping their communities. These efforts reflect a belief that a vibrant civil society is a prerequisite for a healthy democracy, where diverse voices can contribute to public discourse and hold institutions accountable.

The foundation’s work on combating hate speech and discriminatory discourse has become increasingly important in recent years. In collaboration with local partners and academic institutions, it organizes conferences and panel discussions that examine the roots and consequences of intolerance in public life. These events bring together journalists, legal experts, and human rights defenders to develop practical approaches for promoting respectful dialogue across differences. By addressing sensitive topics such as religious discrimination, ethnic tensions, and LGBTQ+ rights, the foundation helps build a more inclusive public sphere where all citizens can participate freely and without fear.

Economic liberalization and the promotion of free markets remain central themes in the foundation’s programming. Seminars and publications explore the relationship between economic freedom, entrepreneurship, and societal well-being, emphasizing how competitive markets can drive innovation and create opportunities for all. Discussions often focus on regulatory reforms, energy sector development, and the importance of fair competition as drivers of sustainable growth. By engaging with business leaders, policymakers, and economists, the foundation advocates for policies that reduce barriers to economic participation and enable individuals to pursue their aspirations through enterprise and hard work.

International cooperation and the exchange of ideas across borders are fundamental to the foundation’s mission. Its office in Istanbul serves as a hub for connecting Turkish liberals with counterparts from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Study tours, joint conferences, and exchange programs allow participants to learn from diverse experiences in democratic governance, human rights protection, and institutional reform. These transnational partnerships strengthen the network of liberal thinkers and activists working to advance freedom and democracy worldwide. Through sustained dialogue and collaboration, the foundation helps build bridges between cultures and promotes a shared commitment to liberal values.