The 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) will designate annually two cities – from the North and South of the Mediterranean – as Capitals of Culture & Dialogue. This regional initiative seeks to promote and celebrate Euro-Mediterranean’s rich cultural diversity and shared heritage, as well as to foster mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue. The initiative will also provide the designated cities with the opportunity to highlight their Euro-Mediterranean identity while promoting their ‎own historical and cultural heritage, enhancing local action and that of civil society, as well as fostering a sense of identity across the region while encouraging sustainable tourism through the promotion of culture.

In November 2022, during their 7^th Regional Forum, the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) unanimously endorsed the initiative ‘Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue’. Over the course of a calendar year, the two cities will host cultural, socio-economic and sporting events to highlight their respective Euro-Mediterranean values and dimension. This initiative will culminate in a large celebration in the Day of the Mediterranean, the 28 November.‎

Local and regional authorities from the UfM region (check list of countries) can already  submit their candidatures for the first edition, which will take place in 2025. The deadline for applications is next 23 July 2023 and the announcement of the first two Capitals of Culture will take place at the 8^th Regional Forum of the 43 UfM Foreign Affairs Ministers, set to take place in November 2023. The two designated Capitals will then have a calendar year to prepare their programme of activities before the actual title year of 2025.

Candidate cities shall present programmes including critical topics for the region and involving the local communities. A solid regional vision is also expected, to promote globally the diversity of cultures, as well as the shared identity of the Euro-Mediterranean region. The two cities will also be invited to collaborate, encouraging international partnerships to foster territorial cooperation, and contributing to feature Euro-Mediterranean artists and participants. Civil society organisations and cultural actors will be given a predominant role in implementing the different activities. ‎