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 2021 edition
Youth and Mobility: Towards a Euro-Mediterranean Citizenship
Historically, the Mediterranean basin has been a place of (sometimes forced) movements and migrations of its populations, which have forged the societies we now share. Mobility allows us to get closer to and understand the social and cultural diversity and richness of the two shores in such a way that we discover there are common values and challenges. Thanks to the flows of people, differences can become a veritable richness to create and build a future together towards a region of peace and stability.
Mobility means exchange, getting closer and knowing each other. Through this year’s contest we want to reflect upon the importance of mutual knowledge and exchange to advance towards the creation of a citizenship that embraces the entire Euro-Mediterranean region. What does mobility inspire in you? How could the movement and flows of people help in moving towards a shared citizenship? Tell us a story about mobility and exchange!
Call and conditionsKey information
The deadline is 4 July 2021.
If you’re between 18 and 30 years old, take part, write your short story and see your work published.
Publication
Read the anthology of short stories awarded in the 2021 edition.
Winners announced
Finalists
1st prize
Out of Tune
Hala Kabalan (Syria)
2nd prize
A Bedouin in Europe
Mohamed Ben Mbarek (Morocco)
3rd prize
Letters Unwritten
Mahmoud Jamal Ahmed Mikdadi (Jordan)
Grandma and the Sea
Jana Adel Slika (Lebanon)
A Conversation at the Airport
Ahmed O. Benomran (Libya)
Border Houses
Miroslava Kulkova (Slovakia)
I TRUST YOU
Patricia Jimeno Fernandez (Spain)
Until the next wave
George Gerosimos Mantziokas (Greece)
“Gracias” My Friend
Alara Tugce Egesoy (Turkey)
Their Voices I Hear
Kristina Stankova (Bulgaria)
Co-organised with
