FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Germany
Address
Königinstraße 63Country
City
MünchenProvince
BavariaMobile Phone
+9613344403Telephone
004915253155724E-Mail (2)
omar.meksassi@thewhatif.orgE-Mail (4)
alex.karam@posteo.deWebsite
Click HereYear of Establishment
2025Contact Person1
Alexander KaramJob Title 1
CEOContact Person 2
Omar MeksassiJob Title 2
CTOOrganisation Type
Private CompanyFields of Activity
Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International/Cultural relations, Media, ResearchGeneral Information
The What If gGmbH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructive journalism and futures-thinking dialogues in conflict-affected regions. Originally launched as a research project in 2022, the organization focused on peace journalism and dialogue initiatives in Afghanistan and Lebanon, evolving into a structured nonprofit entity.
Registered as a gGmbH in Munich, Germany, The What If operates with a core team of experts in journalism, narrative analysis, and strategic communication, supported by regional journalists, civil society organizations, and research institutions.
With an annual budget ranging from €210,000 to €450,000, funded through institutional grants, partnerships, and independent initiatives, The What If gGmbH implements high-impact dialogues, public sentiment research, and innovative journalism projects that bridge local communities and international stakeholders.
Main partners are AJSO (Afghan Journalists Support Organization), Deutsche Journalistenschule (DJS), Media Lab Bayern, Universität der Bundeswehr München, and Deutsche Welle.
Mission and Objectives
At The What If, we envision a world where conflict zones become hubs of understanding and inspiration, and where every voice contributes to a path to peace. We do so by innovating in future-thinking dialogues, constructive journalism, and capacity-building, all underpinned by a data-driven approach.
Empowering Communities Through Action
We work on the ground in conflict zones, amplifying local voices and fostering trust through meaningful conversations.
Innovating for Sustainable Peace
Our unique blend of storytelling, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and data-driven insights enables peacebuilders and policymakers to act effectively.
Main Projects / Activities
2024 we had the following 22 dialogues with subsequent journalistic publications:
Lebanon Dialogues
1. Social Contract & Governance
Social Contract I (14.06.2024)
Exploring pathways to a revised and inclusive social contract addressing systemic challenges in Lebanon.
Social Contract II (25.08.2024)
Engaging citizens and leaders in dialogues to redefine governance and social cohesion.
2. Memory & Identity in Lebanon
The Future of Lebanon’s Past I (15.06.2024)
Addressing fragmented historical narratives and fostering dialogue on the civil war's legacy.
The Future of Lebanon’s Past II (25.07.2024)
Creating a shared national memory as a foundation for social cohesion.
Overcoming the Anti-Syrian Sentiment (21.06.2024)
Addressing discrimination against Syrian communities and fostering coexistence.
3. Community Reconciliation & Peacebuilding
Tayouneh I (26.07.2024)
Bridging divided communities in Tayyouneh through shared initiatives and dialogue.
Tayouneh II (07.08.2024)
Expanding reconciliation efforts in Tayyouneh as a model for conflict resolution.
Fighters for Peace (07.03.2024)
Engaging with ex-combatants on reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives.
4. Education & Youth Engagement
Violence-Free School Initiative (08.03.2024)
Reducing violence in Lebanese schools and promoting peace-oriented teaching strategies.
Afghanistan Dialogues
What Afghanistan Can Learn from Colombia (14.03.2024)
Applying lessons from Colombia’s conflict resolution process to Afghanistan.
1. Gender Apartheid & Women's Rights
Gender Apartheid I (25.04.2024)
Highlighting systemic gender discrimination and strategies for women's empowerment.
Gender Apartheid II (27.04.2024)
Framing gender apartheid as a crime against humanity and advocating for international support.
2. Afghan Diaspora & Peacebuilding
A Migrant Social Network for Peace at Home (21.06.2024)
Exploring how Afghan diaspora networks contribute to peacebuilding in their homeland.
The Afghan Diaspora as a Role Model for Inter-Ethnic Dialogue (13.12.2024)
Leveraging the diaspora’s role in bridging ethnic divides and fostering national unity.
3. Digital Safety & Women's Empowerment
Contested Identities (31.08.2024)
Enhancing online safety measures for women against digital harassment and exploitation.
Women's Safety in the Digital Space I (11.10.2024)
Exploring women's leadership in bridging ethnic divides through digital engagement.
Women's Safety in the Digital Space II (22.11.2024)
Policy innovations and technological solutions for safer digital spaces for women.
4. Water Security & Resource Conflict
The Karez Water System & Its Potential for Peace (31.07.2024)
Examining Afghanistan’s ancient water management system as a tool for peacebuilding and resource security.
5. Sanctions & International Policy
Taliban Sanctions Regime I (01.11.2024)
Assessing the impact of sanctions on Afghanistan and their role in international diplomacy.
Taliban Sanctions Regime II (29.11.2024)
Exploring alternative approaches to sanction policies and their effects on Afghan society.
6. Sports & Peace Initiatives
Bat and Ball for Peace (29.11.2023)
Using sports as a unifying force for peace in Afghanistan.
Furthermore we had two podcasts:
One called "Media for Peace" (in collaboration with Media Lab Bayern, the other one "malwiedersprechen" (in collaboration with Deutsche Journalistenschule).
For this year we plan to specify our journalistic offerings and are working with organisations in Lebanon in a dialogue series with lebanese students from different confessions to discuss the future of the country. With our Afghan Partners, we are in contact to set up a platform to unite and engage the internationally spread Afghan Diaspora in a constructive and solution-oriented manner.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
The What If gGmbH contributes to the network by fostering constructive journalism, futures-thinking dialogues, and public sentiment analysis in conflict-affected regions, particularly in Lebanon and Afghanistan.
By joining the network, we will offer innovative methodologies for dialogue, constructive and conflict-sensitive journalism and media analysis to support democratic development, inclusive governance, and cross-cultural understanding.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
The What If gGmbH seeks to join the ALF Network to expand collaborations and contribute to a stronger Mediterranean and MENA peace and dialogue ecosystem. We believe in cross-regional cooperation to address challenges such as polarization, conflict narratives, and "stuck" debates.
By becoming a member, we aim to:
Exchange best practices with other organizations working on dialogue, peacebuilding, and constructive journalism.
Strengthen partnerships with institutions that focus on inclusive governance and narrative-building.
Scale our impact by integrating regional expertise and networks into our activities
Co-develop initiatives that promote intercultural understanding, regional cooperation, and grassroots engagement.
The ALF Network offers a vital space to connect with like-minded actors, co-create meaningful projects, and contribute to a future-oriented, solutions-driven dialogue culture across the region. Looking forward to hearing from you!