EU Neighbours South is bringing its two youth networks, EU Jeel Connect and Media Connect, along with institutional partners and special guests, together in Beirut on 19 and 20 November for two days of dialogue and strategic reflection on environment, interculturality and the Pact for the Mediterranean. Over two days, the Lebanese capital will become a vibrant hub of exchange and creativity, welcoming young leaders, media professionals, and institutional representatives from across the Southern Neighbourhood and the EU. 

This regional gathering will provide a unique platform to amplify youth voices, encourage cross-border collaboration, and highlight the essential role of communication and media in building mutual trust and shared progress across the region. More than 170 participants will attend in person, while over 300 will join online, including members of the EU Jeel Connect and Media Connect networks, as well as representatives from the European Commission’s DG MENA, EU Delegations, and several EU-funded regional initiatives contributing to a stronger Euro-Mediterranean partnership.

The third edition of the Connect Summit will gather in-person more than 70 members of the EU Jeel Connect and Media Connect youth networks from 9 countries for two days of exchanges, workshops, and storytelling sessions highlighting their experiences with EU-funded programmes across the Southern Neighbourhood. The agenda will include a diverse range of activities, from peer-led talks such as “Been there, done that!”, where Connectors will share their personal stories and lessons learned, to interactive discussions with representatives from DG MENA, EU Delegations, and managers of EU-funded projects. 

On 19 November, in the late afternoon, the Sursock Museum in Beirut will host an event dedicated to youth engagement, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Bringing together more than 120 young people from Lebanon and the Southern Neighbourhood, the gathering will provide a dynamic and inclusive platform for open discussion with the European Union on the future implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean. Participants will be invited to explore the museum’s DIVAS exhibition before the official opening and creative showcase, which will feature remarks from EU representatives and an artistic interpretation of the Mediterranean “Ô Mediterranean!”. The programme will continue with an interactive panel on the Pact, short presentations from youth leaders highlighting local initiatives, and a networking reception celebrating Mediterranean diversity through local cuisine and live performances.

The celebrations will culminate on 20 November at the iconic Music Hall in Beirut with the Closing Ceremony of the #EyesOnLIFE Campaign and Contest. The event will showcase the creativity and dedication of young innovators and civil society actors from across the Southern Neighbourhood. The evening will feature an inspiring programme of dialogue, recognition and celebration. A high-level panel discussion titled “Sustain the Circle of Life – Past, Present and Future” will set the tone for the Awards Ceremony, which will honour the winners of the #EyesOnLIFE environmental contest in two categories: Best Eco-Innovator and Best Civil Society Initiative.