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On 8 April 2026, young political leaders and representatives of liberal organisations gathered in Rabat, Morocco, for the International Forum of Liberal Youth, under the theme “The Power to Act: Liberal Youth Facing Current Challenges.”

Organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in partnership with the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union, the forum took place on the sidelines of the RENEWPAC Summit, dedicated to “Resilience and Renewal: Building Liberal Partnerships in a Multipolar World.”

Bringing together young political actors from Africa and Europe, the forum provided a platform to reflect on some of the most pressing challenges facing liberal democracy and explore how a new generation of political leaders can contribute to addressing them.

The discussions centred on three interconnected challenges: the rise of populism, international crises and conflicts, and migration. Each theme invited participants to examine the responsibilities of young political leaders in defending democratic principles, promoting constructive political dialogue and developing responses to increasingly complex political and social realities.

The first thematic session, led by Ahmed Rizki, a social scientist specialising in youth programmes and organisations, examined the rise of populism and its implications for liberal democracy. Discussions focused on how young political leaders can respond more effectively to the concerns and frustrations that populist movements often exploit, while strengthening trust in democratic institutions.

A second session, facilitated by Karima Rhanem, an expert in governance, diplomacy and policy advocacy, explored the responsibilities of liberal youth in the face of international crises and conflicts. Participants were invited to reflect on the role of political leadership, international cooperation and dialogue in responding to an increasingly fragmented global environment.

The third session, led by Assia Elmesk, a specialist in public law, climate justice and environmental governance, addressed migration through the principles of freedom, solidarity and responsibility, encouraging reflection on how these values can inform political responses to migration challenges.

Beyond the expert contributions, the forum placed particular emphasis on participatory dialogue and the exchange of ideas. Through an interactive Liberal Café format, participants worked in three thematic groups — Guardians of Freedom, Coalition for Equality, and Innovation and Creativity — bringing together different political experiences, national perspectives and approaches to democratic engagement.

The working groups provided an opportunity for young political actors to exchange perspectives, explore shared priorities and reflect collectively on how liberal values can translate into political action. The programme also included plenary presentations, expert feedback and a closing reflection on the lessons participants would take forward.

The forum was complemented by “The Next Big Idea”, a pitching session held on 7 April, which created an additional space for participants to exchange ideas and connect ahead of the main discussions.

By connecting young political leaders across countries and political organisations, the International Forum of Liberal Youth contributed to strengthening dialogue, peer learning and cooperation around shared democratic challenges. The event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where emerging leaders can engage with different perspectives and develop their capacity to contribute to political debates and decision-making.

Through initiatives such as this, WYDE Political Parties continues to support meaningful youth participation in political life, strengthen emerging political leadership and foster dialogue and cooperation across political and geographical boundaries.

Event Details

• Event: International Forum of Liberal Youth
• Theme: The Power to Act: Liberal Youth Facing Current Challenges
• Date: 8 April 2026 (with a preparatory pitching and networking session on 7 April)
• Location: Rabat Marriott Hotel, Rabat, Morocco
• Organised by: Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), in partnership with WYDE Political Parties / ENoP
• Project: WYDE Political Parties – led by ENoP and funded by the European Union
• Context: Side event of the RENEWPAC Summit – Resilience and Renewal: Building Liberal Partnerships in a Multipolar World
• Participants: Young political leaders and representatives of liberal political organisations from Africa and Europe
• Main topics: Liberal democracy, populism, international crises and conflicts, migration, freedom, equality, political innovation and cross-regional cooperation
• Format: Expert presentations, thematic working groups, interactive Liberal Café, plenary discussions and networking.

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