Mediterranean University and Youth Opportunities

The Mediterranean University on Youth and Global Citizenship (MedUni) took place in Hammamet, Tunisia from 2nd-9th June and focused on “Youth Opportunities,” in particular on the participation of young people in democratic processes.

MedUni is organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe in co-operation with the National Youth Observatory of Tunisia and in partnership with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, the EU-CoE youth partnership, the League of Arab States, the European Youth Forum and others.

The main goals of MedUni were to promote youth work and youth participation in the Mediterranean region, to promote Euro-Arab and Mediterranean youth co-operation and global youth work and to foster the development of trans-Mediterranean community networks, whilst prioritising human rights, intercultural dialogue and democratic citizenship as essential dimensions of global education and the work of young people.

As a key partner, the Youth Forum was delighted to be very involved in the Mediterranean University. Kris Snick, League of Young Voters consultant, took part in a roundtable that focused on sharing good practices and reflecting on the role of young people and youth organisations in democracy. He presented the League’s campaigns, emphasising its impact and how something similar could be implemented in the Arab States. Additionally, board member Elise Drouet discussed how social media could increase youth participation.

After the many activities and sessions, participants concluded that education and empowerment of young people is crucial in order to create a culture of participation and that investment in infrastructure is key to this.