We give a voice to young people to promote a change of narratives and contribute to a culture of understanding, peace and dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region
This programme creates spaces for intercultural encounters between young people in order to promote exchanges of experiences and ideas between peers, identify shared values in the region and transcend those stereotypes that tear us apart. By doing so, it aims to equip young people with tools so they can play a relevant role in future societies and actively promote the values of diversity and co-existence in the Euro-Mediterranean area.
The programme includes regular youth-to-youth debates on the burning issues in the Euro-Mediterranean area, including violent extremism, hate speech and migration.
It also features the youth contest “A Sea of Words”, organised in collaboration with the Anna Lindh Foundation and its national networks. The competition is open to young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from the Euromed area. It encourages intercultural dialogue and the exchange of knowledge through the stories about experiences and concerns expressed by young people. Since 2008, each contest has revolved around a different theme, such as gender equality, sustainable development, democracy and citizenship, radicalisation and climate change.
Through short stories, young people have the opportunity to freely express ideas, perceptions, concerns and hopes. In this way, different local and international traditions are reflected. During the 13th year of the contest, around 3,000 works were received, with a good balance between the North (47%) and South (53%) of the Mediterranean. An international jury selects between 10 and 20 texts every year, and offers the finalists the opportunity to take part in an intercultural experience in Barcelona. This exchange includes literary workshops, cultural visits and the awards ceremony, featuring prominent figures from different fields.
The 2010 edition
Towards Fairer Equality in the Mediterranean
Coinciding in 2010 with the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the third year of the contest focuses on the issue of social progress and the effort to build fairer and more egalitarian and inclusive societies. Its objective is to raise awareness among youths that a society in peace with itself can only be built through inclusivity.
Key information
The call was closed on 15 September 2010
We have received 334 stories written by youths from 36 Euro-Mediterranean countries
The contest welcomes stories written in any of the official languages of the Euro-Mediterranean countries:
Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and United Kingdom.
Winners announced
(1st Prize)
Milena Is a Sex Bomb
Alfredo Zucchi. Italy
(2nd Prize)
Beautician
Ana Pessoa. Portugal
(3rd Prize)
Sunset
Ayelet Gundar-Goshen. Israel
Other finalists
Where the Olive Tree Is Grown
Edlira Osmani. Albania
Dudek Got off the Train on Time
Marko Gregur. Croatia
The Island
Mahmoud Mansi. Egypt
Bubbles
Tiia R. Junnonaho. Finland
The Exchange
Nathalie Ester Alyon. Israel
In the Silence of a Silver Light
Andris C. Habermanis. Latvia
Evolution: You Adapt or...
Donara Barojan. Lithuania
Descending the Stairs of Downfall
Justin Fenech. Malta
The Stutterer
Ilija Ðjurović. Montenegro
His Appointed Time Is the Break of Dawn
Zahra Astitou. The Netherlands
Words for the Mediterranean Sea
Kholoud Ajarma. Palestine
Balik
Katarzyna Marta Nocuń. Poland
Piglets for Slaughter
Małgorzata Gwiazda. Poland
Towards the Twelve Stars
Maja Cehovin. Slovenia
Exchange
Vesna Hauschild. Slovenia
Eliade
Pablo J. Garmón. Spain
Letter to the United Nations from the United Animals Community
Alper Abca. Turkey