The art of creating awesome politicians

Posted by Omezzine Khelifa
The art of creating awesome politicians
A tech engineer by training, Omezzine Khelifa left a life in France to work in the Tunisian transition from dictatorship to democracy. Today she is the executive director of the Apolitical Foundation Accelerator programme, helping equip a new type of community-powered politician all over the world. Following her appearance at Stronger Things, she speaks to Katy Oglethorpe about her remarkable career and hope for the new wave of “awesome” changemakers. You went from working of a financial institution

Founding a Ministry of Citizen Participation

Posted by Omezzine Khelifa
Founding a Ministry of Citizen Participation
Link to Apolitical Hope podcast In September, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ximena Peredo, Secretary of Citizens Participation in the city of Leon, Mexico. She stands out as one of the exceptional recipients of the inaugural “Democratic Innovators of the 21st Century” Politician’s Hall of Fame and graciously shared insights into her journey leading up to this prestigious recognition. In her day-to-day activities, Ximena actively fosters connections between civil society and the government, investing

Announcing the recipients of the “Democratic Innovators of the 21st century” Politicians’ Hall of Fame

Posted by Omezzine Khelifa
Announcing the recipients of the “Democratic Innovators of the 21st century” Politicians’ Hall of Fame
During last Athen’s Democracy Forum, on September 27, 2023, I had both the privilege and honor to announce the recipients of the inaugural “Democratic Innovators of the 21st Century” Politician’s Hall of Fame. Representing the Apolitical Foundation, we associated with the Democracy and Culture Foundation to award the inaugural prestigious prize and celebrate remarkable women and men who have dedicated their lives to advancing democracy in the world. I believe that reviving and renewing democracy

From revolution to politics, a journey of transformation

Posted by Omezzine Khelifa
After the Tunisian Revolution in 2011, new and different politicians like myself had to innovate to create a new social contract, build trust and solid structures to strengthen our nascent democracy. Not an easy task and so much learning, especially now that there is a huge threat to the process.At the time, I endeavored to find adequate trainings, sufficient funds, and supportive networks that would help sustain my work and intensify my impact. Yet, to have come this far, people