Forward Thinking convene roundtable workshops in Tunis, 17-21 February 2014

Forward Thinking travelled to Tunis (17-21 February) to host two roundtable workshops as part of the Intra Tunisian Political Pluralism Dialogue Process (TPPDP). The first workshop brought together senior figures from some of Tunisia's leading political parties and civil society organisations, including: Al Asala, Al Islah, CPR, CSID, Ennahda, Ettakatol, Joumhouri and Nidaa Tounes. The meeting was convened to provide participants with the opportunity to discuss the consensus that had been achieved to date, and to identity the potential challenges that might face Tunisia in the months leading up to elections. Discussions at the meeting focused heavily on the issue of security and combating terrorism, which participants agreed political parties should tackle in non-partisan manner.The second workshop assembled youth activists from across the political spectrum with a small group of senior politicians, in order to have an inter-generational conversation on developments in the country. The discussion explored several issues, including: youth perspectives on terrorism; quotas for young Tunisians on electoral lists; and do young activists need to move beyond a "culture of protest" in order to create meaningful change in the country.During the visit Forward Thinking also held a series bilateral meetings with a variety of organisations, including: the Democratic Alliance, Ennahda, Nidaa Tounes, the Popular Front, UGTT and UTICA.  These meetings helped identify topics for discussion in future roundtable workshops, and gave Forward Thinking a greater understanding of the current dynamics in the country.