Parliamentary democracy, the protection of human rights, a free
press, the separation of powers, and a soundly-based rule of law are
not simply western values and principles but shared by the
democratic forces in Asia including Pakistan as well. The FES
therefore promotes programmes and activities aimed at establishing
and strengthening civil society and reinforcing democratic
government institutions. Special emphasis is put on contributing to
a constructive discussion of conflictive issues and a peaceful
settlement of disputes between different interest groups in the
society. The Foundation wants to build bridges between the civil
society and the powers of the state.
The
issues of crisis prevention and
conflict management
are gaining greater importance in
the political cooperation activities of the FES in a variety of
countries. At a
Regional Centre for Conflict Transformation located
in the FES cooperation office in Islamabad, experience relating
conflict analysis and monitoring as well as conflict impact
assessment is being processed and made available to interested
parties in both the national and the international arena.
The
Foundation works with legislators, government institutions and
highly committed civil society and the media to support Pakistan's
transition to democracy by
facilitating increased political participation. FES assisted highly
committed civil society groups and institutions to monitor the
political process critically and established a dialogue between
political parties and the general public. It joined hands with women
organisations to address gender issues and especially the political
participation of women. A Young Professionals Network created by FES
aims at empowering highly committed youth from disadvantaged areas
to play an active role in contributing to the political or social
development of their country.
In
numerous seminars, workshops and symposia, development and trade
issues are being discussed with research organisations or relevant
departments of universities all over the country, often by adding
international experience and expertise to the national debates.
Papers and publications are making the research presented at such
occasions available for a larger audience of decision makers and
interested citizens.
Historically, a special interest of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
regards
labour relations
and the trade unions movement. Recently, the Foundation has set a
unique example of development-oriented and democratic cooperation
between workers and employers by facilitating the establishment of
the Workers Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan (WEBCOP), a body
which has been officially recognised by the government as competent
consultant in labour policy issues.
On
a regional level and in close coordination among all cooperation
offices in Asia, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung maintains a dialogue
for
regional cooperation
and security in South Asia. It also supports the development of
citizens' media that professionally inform the people, create civil
awareness and reflect the needs of the society. A Regional Gender
Competence Centre is currently being established in Manila and
Delhi.
In
addition to its national activities, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
has increasingly been attempting to facilitate access to information
and opportunities for participation of its partners within the
framework of the globalisation debate. Only a dialogue based on
equality between the parties concerned at both the regional and
global level will result in viable solutions of cross-border
problems in the longer term. The
Dialogue on Globalization
project is being coordinated from Berlin.
