As part of the LI-Svenska Folkpartiet internship programme – in which a Swedish-speaking Finnish intern spends 6 months on the frontline of international politics with the LI secretariat in London – the intern will pen at least two articles for From Our Intern (FOI). FOI is an infrequent report back –sometimes serious sometimes lighthearted – on the experiences, perceptions, and ideas drawn from the intern’s time in the LI office and while serving on LI missions abroad.

Ida-Maria Skytte writes:

During the last weekend of January, Liberal International, together with VVD International, organised the second training weekend of the Liberal International Democratic Training Academy (LIDTA). This weekend of the Academy, focusing on online campaigning, public speaking and building political relations, was held in Broumanna, Lebanon and was attended by 15 young politicians and political activist from across the MENA region.

As a young politician myself, it was truly inspiring to get to know these ambitious politicians; listen to their experiences, challenges and aspirations, and also share my own experiences from being a young, female politician in Finland.

Many of our experiences were different from each other, but others were very much alike. No matter the political context, young, female politicians are being belittled and discouraged. The same goes for liberal politicians driving change in illiberal societies. But the politicians attending LIDTA could not have made it more clear that facing these challenges have made young, liberal politicians even more dedicated to proudly keeping the torch of liberalism alight.

“The fact that the training was held in Lebanon at this historical time was inspiring and eye-opening.

Being a liberal in an illiberal society is indeed challenging on many levels. Several of the politicians attending LIDTA shared their personal stories of being silenced, undermined and even threatened in their countries due to their political views. These politicians put a great deal at stake just by being present at a liberal training, but by attending the Academy they are provided with the skills and first and foremost the network needed to continue their crucial fight for liberal values.

The fact that the training was held in Lebanon at this historical time was inspiring and eye-opening. The people of Lebanon are currently demanding an end to the tradition of political corruption in the country. They are furthermore demonstrating for strengthened rights for women, youth and the LGBTQ community, as well as improved infrastructure, health care and public education.

Sadly, there have been several clashes between protesters and military forces in Lebanon. The right to peaceful protest should be respected all over the world, and Lebanon should not be an exception. Unfortunately, the ongoing situation in Lebanon is far more complex and cannot be resolved only by guaranteeing the safety of the protesters. The people of Lebanon demand change and the situation can only be resolved by true change.

“The crucial role of the global liberal network in safeguarding liberal values across the globe has truly become clear to me.

By working with Liberal International for almost half a year, and being present at LIDTA, the crucial role of the global liberal network in safeguarding liberal values across the globe has truly become clear to me. This importance was made clearer than ever when being amongst liberal politicians from illiberal societies. The global liberal network is important to liberals all around the world, but it is of the greatest necessity to liberals in countries where liberalism is not accepted.

I could honestly not be more grateful for the past five months, during which I have worked as Liberal International’s Staff Intern as a part of the Svenska Folkpartiet i Finland internship scheme.

My time with Liberal International has not only provided me with professional skills and insights in administration, event planning and the political work of a global organisation. The internship has also given me the opportunity to expand my political network by meeting active liberals from the MENA region and elsewhere in the world, a network that will be incredibly valuable in my future work as a liberal politician.