Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

“The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) was founded in 1925 as a political legacy of Germany’s first democratically elected president, Friedrich Ebert (1871-1925).

A social democrat of a modest craftsmen background who had risen to hold the highest political office of chancellor in Germany, proposed, in response to his own painful experience of political confrontation and conflict. The establishment of a foundation to serve the following aims: furthering political and social education of individuals from all walks of life in the spirit of democracy and pluralism, facilitating access to university education and funding of research activities of gifted young people through scholarships, contributing to inter-cultural understanding and cooperation.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a non-profit making, cultural institution working for the public interest. Its objective is the strengthening and development of ideas and basic values of social democracy. The office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Lebanon, located in the country’s capital Beirut, was established in 1968 and maintained its work during the civil war (1975-1990).

Confident with the statement of the quote above, FES Beirut aims at bringing allegiance to Lebanon as a state of its citizens through its engagement in various public domains. In reaction to the country’s specific problems, the foundation acts to promote inter-confessional dialogue and internal peace in Lebanon. it includes the aiming at the creation of a civil nature for the Lebanese state and a more secular mentality through reform of the educational system and awareness raising on structural and social deficiencies. This includes also the promotion of social justice and equality as well as enhanced opportunities for youth and women.

Staying in line with its founding principles, the foundation remains committed to supporting good governance and democratization processes in Lebanon. Coordinating its activities in cooperation with a multiplicity of political actors from the government over political parties, labor unions, NGOs and civil society organizations to the media, the foundation acts as a focal point of international and trans-sectarian dialogue, information, and advocacy of progress. Seeing it as another key focus of its mission, the work of FES Beirut addresses the socio-economic challenges Lebanon of Lebanon. Through close cooperation with the Lebanese trade union movement and the support of progressive labor market policies and reforms of the social security system, the FES tries to ameliorate workers’ rights and their fair treatment on the labor market.”

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Headquarters address: Godesberger Allee 149 Bonn, Germany
HQ Email: [email protected]
HQ Tel: +49 228 8830