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 2017 edition
Youth, Stereotypes and Radicalisation
This year’s theme seeks to give youths (aged 18 to 30) the opportunity to explain their experiences of how they see themselves and how society imposes a series of stereotypes on them. Since the Arab Springs, youths have achieved a more significant role and visibility in the media, blogs or social networks. Meanwhile, the economic crisis marginalises youths and contributes to their anonymity. Youths are seen through stereotypes and dualism: either as innovative people and better trained than ever or as people easy to manipulate through the social networks.
Key information
The call was closed on 24 May 2017
We have received 229 stories written by youths from 34 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)
A Loaf of Bread
Salim Bouazzati. Morocco
(2nd Prize)
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
Omar Hussein Al Othman. Jordan
(3rd Prize)
Pizza Kebab
Giulio Pitroso. Italy
Other finalists
A Short Story by Anne Frank
Elisa Konomi. Albania
Coffee O’Clock at the Iron Fist
Lucie Trojanova. Czech Republic
The Receptionist
Basma Ahmed Sayed Eloufi. Egypt
Arabische Chroniken
Nicole Vogl. Germany
My Friend, the Tyrant
Lefteris Anagnostopoulos. Greece
Nadia and Samira
Carlotta Fanton. Italy
Confession
Mohammad AlAuthman. Jordan
Magnolia
Maram Obeidat. Jordan
The Wedding
Shareef Tarhini. Lebanon
The City inside My Head
Ethem Mandić. Montenegro
Victim No. 13
Badr Metchu. Morocco
Gods and the Others
Gökten Çağrı Aktan. Turkey
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