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Our work in South Asia
South Asian Activities
FNF South Asia carries out four regional programs: Economic Freedom The Foundation, for instance, has been working with the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) since its inception in 1994. In collaboration we organise programmes to promote economic liberalisation. The SAARC Business Leader Conclave takes place every two years. Leading politicians and entrepreneurs of the South Asian region discuss with internationally renowned economists how to open up South Asian markets and benefit from the opportunities of globalisation. Liberal Youth Network Liberal youth organizations formed the network LYSA (Liberal Youth South Asia) a few years ago, the South Asian wing of YLDA (Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia). South Asia has a high rate of youth and young adults who want a share in shaping their own future through political involvement. LYSA offers liberal youth organizations a forum for international exchange and provides them with a common voice. Rule of Law, Human and Civil Rights Currently two international networks are created to stop the misuse of power by South Asian governments: The first one on Right to Information, which enables citizens to exercise control over public administration and the second on Police Reform. An Indian partner of the Foundation Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), can offer substantial expertise and experience in both these subjects. Reform processes in the SAARC states can thus, be supported and influenced by competent actors of civil society. Conflict Management The Kashmir conflict is one of the main obstacles on the way to enhanced regional integration. FNF together with the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation (CDR) provides a unique forum for representatives of civil society in Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control to articulate their concerns and suggestions and play a part in the dialogue between the governments of Pakistan and India. Long-lasting peace can only be achieved if the citizens and political actors who are directly affected have a say in finding peaceful solutions.
