Barcelona to host the Euro-Med Civil Society Conference “Reclaiming Our Shared Humanity”

21 October 2024 | Press release

The 2-day conference brings together over 200 participants from over 30 Euro-Mediterranean countries and aims to counter polarisation driven by the Middle East conflict

The EuroMed Civil Society Conference “Reclaiming Our Shared Humanity: Countering Polarisation, Dehumanisation, and Radicalisation driven by the Middle East Conflict” will take place at the Maritime Museum in Barcelona on 26-27 October 2024 and will bring together over 200 participants from over 30 countries, including civil society organisations, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The EU High Representative /Vice President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell will pronounce the concluding address of the conference, organised by the IEMed with the support of the EEAS and the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.

Recent global crises, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, have exacerbated tensions and social divisions, impacting both European and Mediterranean societies. This event aims to foster intercultural dialogue and promote peacebuilding initiatives, focusing on the role of civil society, women’s participation, youth engagement, and the fight against hate speech.

The discussions are to be held behind closed doors, but the opening and the closing sessions are open to the media.

Saturday 26^th October, 3 pm – 4.30 pm 

Opening remarks with José Manuel Albares, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, Sven Koopmans, EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Nasser Kamel, UfM’s SG, HRH Princess Rym Ali, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, and Senén Florensa, executive president of the IEMed.

In the evening, during the closed-door cultural event, the EU High Representative/Vice President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) Josep Borrell will give a live statement broadcast on EBS.

Sunday 27^th October, 3 pm

Conclusions of the conference and, at 4.30 pm, concluding address by the EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell (it will be broadcast on EBS). This session also includes the president of the Catalan Government, Salvador Illa.

LIVE STREAMING by Ebs (European Commission Audiovisual Service)

Sunday 27th October, 4.30 pm
Speech by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/ebs/2/20241027

PRESS ACCREDITATION REQUESTED

Journalists interested in following the public sessions in person can request a press accreditation on this form until FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER BY 3 PM.

More detailed information will be shared after registration.