The Online Euro-Med Debate Competition, the first competition of its kind, connecting young people virtually to debate online, took place on 26-30 August 2019, in the framework of the Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange project. 40 teams from over 12 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region took part.

The competition aimed at increasing intercultural awareness and promoting dialogue exchange between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean. Around 280 young people participated in at least one of the 38 online debates that were organised.

Debate discussions were framed around current social challenges and world events, chosen by the participants themselves, such as: the Arab Spring, democratic rights, education, climate change, immigration, power dynamics, amongst other topics.

The final debate gathered teams from Egypt and Lebanon who discussed about the importance of freedom of speech. The Lebanese team won after a competitive and intense final round.

The initiative was organised by the Anna Lindh Foundation and its German Head of Network (The Centre for Cultural and General Studies – ZAK).

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange is part of the Erasmus+ programme. It offers a safe online community to participate in facilitated discussions, increasing intercultural awareness and building 21st Century skills through Virtual Exchange. The programme encourages and promotes intercultural dialogue, employability, and citizenship, strengthening the youth dimension of the EU neighbourhood policy.

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Press release

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange