EN 
NL 
Over the course of thirty years at FMS, we’ve organised a great deal. We’ve asked a number of former colleagues to share some of the highlights from their time with us. You can see them below!
Activism in difficult circumstances
Overall, I am very proud to have had the opportunity to work with courageous and determined people who, despite difficult (political) circumstances in places such as Egypt or Tunisia, sought to make their communities, political parties, youth and women’s movements, and their countries a little better. This was truly inspiring.
Marianna Tsirelson
Young politicians, new connections
“From 2008 to 2018, the FMS organised three training courses each year for young, promising progressive politicians from the Western Balkans: the Course for Up-and-Coming Politicians. Following the wars and the break-up of Yugoslavia, it was by no means a given that young people from the region would meet, let alone become friends and work together to build countries that were fairer, more democratic and more committed to the rule of law.”
Danijel Tadic
Building political bridges
“One of the projects from which I have learnt the most and of which I am most proud was the Leadership Academies in Armenia and Georgia. Young people from different political backgrounds came together and learnt not only about ideology, campaigning and bribery, but above all how to keep the dialogue going and work together despite their differences.”
Marina Ohanyanyan
Special guests at Africa Day
“My highlight was accompanying our guest of honour, Mo Ibrahim (a famous Sudanese philanthropist and businessman, ed.), at Africa Day 2014 and making my way through the crowd with him, as if I were out and about with a big star.”
Anne van der Meer
Proud of a new generation
“I’m most proud of the very first MENA Academy ”in 2022, which I organised in Iraqi Kurdistan for women and young people from the region. The Academy was a great success and provided participants with new knowledge as well as a valuable regional network.”
Meriem Hammami
Symposium at the Council of State
“The 2018 symposium “Is there such a thing as a just war?” was special to me because it linked war, peace and justice to my profession as a historian. The Gothic Hall lent the event a unique historical atmosphere. Expert speakers and a sense of personal engagement made this a special encounter between history and current affairs.”
Arjen Berkvens
