In 2005 the EU-CoE youth partnership, together with several national and regional partners, initiated a process of youth policy cooperation in the broader Euro-Mediterranean region, with a view to fostering greater cooperation between youth policy stakeholders.

The process of youth policy co-operation has inter alia significantly contributed to the recognition that co-operation among institutions responsible for youth policy (public and private) is essential to intercultural dialogue and to the Euro-Med projects in which young people take part.

Youth policy activities have also, undoubtedly, resulted in an expansion of  partnerships and co-operation with a variety of institutions concerned by the empowerment of young people in the MENA region, including the League of Arab States, UNFPA, the World Bank and British Council. In this respect, too, the EU-CoE youth partnership is playing a leading and innovative role.

In reaction to the political changes in their Southern neighbouring countries, both, the European Union and the Council of Europe are strengthening their efforts to support these developments towards democracy. Young people in Egypt, Tunisia and other parts of the South-Mediterranean hold the key to the sustainable and peaceful development of their societies based on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Understanding and taking into account their expectations and needs is crucial for all the institutional stakeholders, such as the League of Arab States, national youth policy authorities and youth organisations. The experience of young people from the Diasporas in Europe and their role in and perception of recent developments can also positively contribute to this process.

Back Seminar 'Euro-Arab youth policy co-operation in the broader Euro-Mediterranean context', June 2010, Egypt

Seminar 'Euro-Arab youth policy co-operation in the broader Euro-Mediterranean context'

1-3 June 2010, Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt)

The seminar aimed at mutual exchange of knowledge and update of information about youth policy developments and development of the competences of Arab and European youth policy experts by exploring and learning together the "essentials" of youth policy and how they are and could be practiced in European and "Mediterranean" countries. It is expected to have a clear multiplying effect by helping to build a group of experts based on a shared understanding of youth policy and youth research.

This builds on the needs previously identified in the EU-CoE youth partnership for building up knowledge and experience in youth policy, and also on the conclusion of the Arab Human Development Report which, among others, places emphasis on the development of policies that are inclusive of young people.

The seminar brought together civil servants, leaders in non-governmental youth organisations, and youth researchers.