NGO leaders from fourteen Euro-Mediterranean countries gather in Alexandria to promote new resources for improving intercultural relations at the local level

10th July, Alexandria: The latest stage of the Regional initiative “Peace Bag” was launched today with youth leaders from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Poland, Palestine, Romania, the Netherlands, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.

The initiative is part of a long-term intercultural programme supported by the Anna Lindh Foundation which aims to create tool-kits and resources for youth workers developing activities for the promotion of a culture of peace at the local and Regional level.

Speaking at the event opening, Andreu Claret, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Foundation, said:

“Young people today are playing a central role in rebuilding bridges and restoring trust between communities across the Mediterranean Region.  In times of economic challenges, when intercultural relations within and across societies can be affected, such networks of youth leaders and resources are more essential than ever.”

The meeting is taking place until the 15th of July at the Swedish Institute in Alexandria and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which also play co-host to the headquarters of the Anna Lindh Foundation.

During the five days, youth leaders will have the opportunity to consolidate their network and partnership and develop their common project, culminating at the end of the week with the international launch of the new “Peace Bag” resource which aims to support capacity-building among youth workers across the Euro-Mediterranean Region.

The theme of coexistence will also be part of the Anna Lindh Foundation’s Call for Proposals 2010 programme which will be launched this August across the 43 National Civil Society Networks of the Foundation.