An Invitation to a Workshop on “Promoting Free Society” 

for Intellectual Entrepreneurs in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia

Introduction

Ideas like rule of law, constitutional and limited government, respect for individual rights, property rights and free market economy had very little impact over contemporary legal, political, and economic systems of the countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. There is a vital cause for intellectual supporters of freedom to spread such ideas of a free society in these regions.

Thus, there is a need for intellectual entrepreneurs with solid ideas working constantly to improve the peaceful means of achieving a free society. And intellectual entrepreneurs have to make the best possible use of intellectual and financial resources through competition, cooperation and worldwide networking. The experience and achievements of the well-established think-tanks show the importance of continuous and constant efforts to promote ideas of a free society in their respective countries. 

The Association for Liberal Thinking

Association for Liberal Thinking, ALT (www.liberal.org.tr) is a non governmental, non profit organization located in Ankara, working to promote classical liberal ideas in Turkey for more than 15 years now. ALT runs training programs, publishes journals and books, advices public policy leaders and produces public policy reports. ALT has administrative experience, staff and office capacity to get interns and to endow them with organizational and intellectual abilities. ALT has also produced some literature in Turkish and English on issues concerning the regional problems and referring to classical liberal solutions.   

Intention

Association for Liberal Thinking intends to share its experience and coordinate assistance for intellectual entrepreneurs to promote classical liberal ideas in the region.

 In this respect, ALT is interested in doing the following: 

- supporting a freedom network in the region; 

- having interns; 

- organizing regional workshops

The list of possible cooperation areas in the region could be developed.

Coming Soon: A Regional Workshop

ALT has started with holding regional workshops gathering intellectual entrepreneurs from the region since 2007. The next workshop will be held on March 1 - 4, 2011 in Ankara, Turkey. ALT will host the training workshop at its seminar room in Ankara. The program will focus on the ideas of a free society with the scholars of ALT, and then cover pragmatic discussions of how to put ideas into action via strategic management of freedom projects. The program will also provide an opportunity to meet individuals throughout the region that share your interests.

Your possible kind cooperation in these efforts and in the workshop would highly be appreciated. 

If you are personally interested or would like to suggest a possible beneficiary please contact 

Ms. Ozlem Caglar-Yilmaz, the General Coordinator of the Association for Liberal Thinking: 

e-mail: ozlemcaglar@liberal.org.tr  Phone: ++ 90 312 2316069 Fax: ++ 90 312 2308003

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