21 young political and community leaders from the Council of Europe’s Schools of Political Studies in Bulgaria, Tunisia and Morocco have participated in the third Summer Academy for Strengthening Democracy in the Euro-Med Region which was dedicated to democracy and education. The event was organised on 25‐30 May 2016 in Pravetz (Bulgaria), with the financial support of the Council of Europe-European Union South Programme II.
The importance of dialogue and the development of democratic institutions were emphasized by Daniel Mitov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria who opened the Academy. Later on, Ambassador Hatem Atallah, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Foundation, raised the issues of radicalisation of young people and the need for long-term solutions to the current refugee and migrant crisis through education, development of common shared values and promotion of open spaces for dialogue.
The role of gender equality was also highlighted as a prerequisite for stability, sustainability and inclusive societies in the region. In presenting such topic, MEP Mariya Gabriel and the Secretary General of the International Federation for Human Rights Ms. Amina Bouayach urged for greater access of women to political and social life in countries such as Morocco and Tunisia, as well as for strengthening the measures giving access of women to education.
In the course of the five days’ workshop, participants discussed migration, career development, civic participation and access to education for young people from Morocco and Tunisia. The various panels and TV debates simulations that were organised allowed them to improve their skills in areas such as conflict resolution and media relations. The conclusions of the Academy will be presented during the annual World Forum for Democracy, which is organised by the Council of Europe (7‐9 November 2016, Strasbourg) and will focus on the theme “Education and democracy: how to bridge the social divides?”
