On 2 July, the Anna Lindh Foundation and Friends of Europe co-organised an online high-level policy insight to discuss the role of EU-MENA multilateral and collective action and of intercultural dialogue on the recovery of the Covid-19 pandemic in strengthening the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 agenda, as well as to align short-term action with long-term cooperation.

More specifically, the discussion focused on Goal 17 which seeks to strengthen global partnerships to support and achieve the ambitious targets of the 2030 Agenda, bringing together national governments, the international community, civil society, the private sector and other actors in the Euro-Mediterranean region through intercultural dialogue. In this regard, the Anna Lindh Foundation’s Executive Director, Dr Nabil Al Sharif, highlighted the various Foundation’s activities, including the ALF’s flagship Young Mediterranean Voices Programme, research and studies on intercultural trends in the region, in partnership with the network of Unimed universities, as well as partnerships with major international institutions.

The virtual debate also provided the opportunity for young leaders to share their views on the challenges of Covid-19 crisis. They have called for further cooperation and mutual support for youth ambassadors in the Euro-Mediterranean region, as well as for an action plan that creates long-term commitment to SDGs and stronger intercultural dialogue.

Dr. Nabil Al-Sharif concluded the debate by pointing out that there is still very strong potential for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in terms of virtual communication to enhance opportunities of youth and to foster communication at the two shores of the Mediterranean.

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