Background info
The Association for the Promotion of Open Society (APOS), established in Germany in 2015, works passionately towards nurturing a culture steeped in tolerance, freedom, and democracy. APOS aims to cultivate a liberal and human rights-focused culture designed to surmount the challenges hindering the growth of open societies. Our primary focus lies in driving political, economic, social, and cultural transformations in Iran, with an eye on augmenting public awareness and fostering the development of democratic values and open society principles. As a German organization conceived by Iranians, we also dedicate efforts towards facilitating the seamless assimilation and integration of Iranian immigrants in Germany.
Mission Statement
We envision a world where comprehensive, scientific evaluations become a catalyst for societal development. Utilizing the rich reservoir of collective human knowledge and experience, we aim to empower burgeoning nations with actionable, effective frameworks for growth. We aspire to cultivate a profound understanding of democracy, peace, security, and self-awareness, fostering societies that cherish freedom, uphold human rights, and nurture tolerance. We see ourselves playing a pivotal role in aiding the integration of immigrants into European societies, promoting cultural interchange, and nurturing harmonious diversity.
Our mission is defined in four chapters:
- We strive to foster productive alliances with intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and social activists, specifically those with a keen interest in Middle Eastern affairs, with a concentrated focus on Iran. Through the creation of such networks, we aim to facilitate the exchange of ideas and strategies, thereby fueling progress and understanding.
- A central component of our mission is to conduct meticulous studies and analyses of crucial indicators like Quality Governance, corruption, and data fact-checking in Iran. Through these analyses, we aim to illuminate the benefits of a democratic, corruption-free society and present a case for the embracement of these principles.
- We are devoted to initiating and strengthening partnerships with think tanks, mainly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Through collaboration, we aim to create in-depth, multi-faceted research and advocacy projects targeting these regions and Iran.
- Our mission also encompasses contributing to global discourse on pivotal themes like democracy, peace, security, and citizens’ self-awareness. Considering our membership’s predominantly immigrant demographic, we also commit to exploring and applying theories of immigrant integration, focusing on Germany and Europe at large.
The Association for the Promotion of Open Society ardently welcomes collaborations with other institutions and organizations to attain our shared objectives. We aim to bolster international efforts in promoting democratic principles, ensuring the upholding of human rights, and fostering an open society.
Advisory role for the European Union
Alongside its research and advocacy activities, APOS acts as an independent advisory body for European Union institutions and policymakers on matters relating to Iran. We provide strategic analysis, scenario planning and policy recommendations on issues including political transition, regional security, the effectiveness of sanctions, human rights and migration dynamics.
Our goal is to help European decision-makers develop coherent, principled and forward-looking Iran policies that reduce instability, support democratic aspirations and align with Europe’s long-term security interests.
Collaboration
Since 2017 until now, the APOS is conducting a project about corruption in Iran, funded by National Endowment for Democracy (NED). In June 2020 the APOS has received a fund from one of the most well-known organizations in Germany, called Robert Bosch Stiftung. This project aims to increase the awareness of Farsi speaking people in Germany about Covid-19. Since 2022 we are in partnership with Atlas Network.
In collaboration with
