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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Protests against a planned dam and resettlement project in Tibet
In February 2024, Tibetans, Tibet supporters, and concerned observers across the globe were taken aback by leaked videos and images out of Dege in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Kham Province in China showing protest against the hydro power project over the Drichu River.
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Political landscape in the Maldives after the change of government
The victory of Mohamed Muizzu in the recent Presidential elections altered the political landscape of the Maldives, the swearing in held on 17 November, 2023, following his defeat of the incumbent President, Ibrahim Mohamed Salih.
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Energy Security in South Asia
This report demonstrates the viability of regional cooperation and transition towards renewable energy as the key to addressing energy security concerns in South Asia. It analyses the energy sector landscape of South Asia, development plans for regional cooperation, policy focus towards renewable energy upscale, and devises a roadmap for a more inclusive and green future of the energy sector in South Asia.
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Bhutan chooses experience over change
In the fourth general election held on January 9, 2024, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bhutan’s oldest political party, returned to power for the second time in the country’s 15-year history of democracy. PDP clinched a convincing win by securing 30 out of 47 seats in the National Assembly. Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP), the newest party in the race, was able to garner 17 seats. A party needs to secure 24 seats to form the government.
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A critical examination of the political parties of Bhutan in the light of its socio-political backdrop
…the ultimate winner could be the one who seriously rethinks the present scenario of Bhutan
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India's Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
In a historic decision that reverberates across South Asia, the Supreme Court of India has set a powerful precedent for LGBTQIA+ rights in the region. This landmark ruling not only signifies a significant step towards equality and acceptance but also underscores India's commitment to upholding the principles of justice and human rights.
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Connecting the Dots
‘Connecting the dots’ is a podcast series by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Asia. Over the last year, Europe has found itself in a precarious position with the largest territorial annexation since World War 2, this has in many ways challenged the European Way of Life, presenting a larger question of ‘what next’.