Representatives of the Foundation's 43 National Civil Society Networks conclude annual meeting with a call to build on 2010 achievements and increase common action within and across the Euro-Mediterranean societies.

Brussels, 4 December 2010 - The annual general meeting of the representatives of the Anna Lindh Foundation's Head of Network institutions concluded today in the Belgian capital.

The 'Network of National Networks' is considered as the largest trans-Mediterranean civil society network today devoted to the Intercultural Dialogue, bringing together over 3500 organisations across 43 countries, and the annual meeting was an opportunity for Network representatives to shape the programme for the Foundation' next phase of operation (2011 to 2014).

In a joint statement at the conclusion of the two days meeting, the Network Representatives underlined the achievements of the current operational phase and the need for ongoing support by all the governments of the Union for the Mediterranean. The statement also underlined the common commitment to 'maximise the Foundation's potential for human cooperation, cultural exchange and social action between all those who believe that Europe and the Mediterranean region share a common destiny'.

Among the concrete actions foreseen in the next operational phase are the next editions of the Anna Lindh Forum and the Anna Lindh Report on Intercultural Trends, both scheduled for 2012, as well as ongoing grant support for civil society-led action at the national and trans-Mediterranean level.

Speaking at the closing of the meeting, the Foundation's Executive Director said: "2010 has been a major year for the Foundation, in particular through the success of the first Forum and Report on Cross-cultural Trends. It has also been a year where we have all been able to assume the Foundation's role as a 'Network of Networks', a role which gives the Foundation its unique nature and will allow us in the next phase to increase our impact on rebuilding intercultural relations within and across societies of our common region”.

The annual general meeting was held this year in Belgium, which holds the current Presidency of the European Union, and was co-organised by the Foundation and its Head of Belgian Network 'the King Baudouin Foundation'. In addition to debating the new programme phase, Network representatives also had the opportunity to discuss Network tools and resources being put in place by the Headquarters in Alexandria, and show-case good practices in national common actions carried out by Network members.