Forward Thinking host youth workshop in Tunisia, 24th - 26th August 2015

Forward Thinking travelled to Tunisia to host a roundtable workshop with a diverse group of young Tunisian political activists (18-35) from across the country's political spectrum. The purpose of the workshop was to provide a space where young Tunisians could come together to meet individuals from different political backgrounds; attempt to identify and discuss the challenges they perceived to confront their peers; and then attempt to agree upon shared positions or potential policy recommendations that could then be fed into the wider national debate. The workshop is the first in a series of meetings that Forward Thinking will host in Tunisia over the coming months, focusing on the participation of young Tunisians in the political process.Discussions at the workshop explored several topics, including the current security situation (and why increasing numbers of Tunisians appeared to be joining extremist organisations), and the economic obstacles facing the country. There was also an lively debate on the proposed National Reconciliation Law, which some participants felt was essential to increase State revenues and restore investor confidence, while others expressed concerns.Forward Thinking also used the visit to hold a number of bilateral meetings with senior politicians and parliamentarians, including representatives from Afek Tounes, Ennahda, Nidaa Tounes, and the Popular Front. These meetings helped us gain a greater understanding of the current situation in the country, and presented an opportunity to discuss Forward Thinking's work in the country.