Agree to Differ

[

] 147

pluralistic societies, and the emphasis on the contribution

of citizens to building a shared Mediterranean space.

Report on Intercultural Trends

In order to ensure the best outcomes of the Anna Lindh

Foundation’s work and to reach its objectives, under-

standing the social, political and economic reality of the

societies in question was a necessity. Therefore the foun-

dation created the Anna Lindh Report on Intercultural

Trends and Social Change. It is a pioneering tool for

knowledge and action on cross-cultural relations in the

Mediterranean region. Published every three years, the

Report combines a Gallup public opinion poll gathering

the voices of thousands of people across Europe and the

southern and eastern Mediterranean region, with a wide

range of analysis by a network of intercultural experts. The

content and main findings of the Report have formed the

basis of a programme of national debates carried out in

collaboration with academic partners, think tanks and the

Anna Lindh National Networks, involving media practi-

tioners and social leaders.

Towards The Next Chapter

After ten years of making intercultural dialogue work, the

Anna Lindh Foundation is entering a new decade of action.

It is a new phase in which the Foundation must confirm its

capacity to be a central actor in offering an alternative to

the Mediterranean’s young generation in the face of rising

radicalism, xenophobia and extremism.

In this perspective, the Anna Lindh Foundation will

continue to invest in ‘intercultural competences’, ‘spaces

and opportunities for dialogue’ and ‘networking and

exchange’ across the Euro-Mediterranean region. At the

same time, the foundation will put communication at

the heart of its action plan, with the central objective of

reaching and involving the people at large. Through a new

partnership with media and journalists, we will work to

ensure the visibility required to bring credibility to the

Mediterranean dialogue agenda which is essential for any

prospect of building a shared space of mutual respect and

co-existence.

The newly elected honorable President, Elisabeth

Guigou, and myself as newly appointed Executive Director,

are committed to bringing together the main institutional

bodies of the foundation – its headquarters in Alexandria,

42 heads of civil society networks, its Advisory Council

of cross-cultural experts and intergovernmental Board of

Governors – around a shared strategic vision to make the

foundation the leading institution for intercultural dialogue

in the Mediterranean.

Milestones

1995:

The Barcelona Declaration establishes the

Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

2003:

High-Level Group on Intercultural Dialogue recommends the

creation of a Euro-Mediterranean Foundation

2004:

Euro-Med Ministers of Foreign Affairs agree on creating the

Anna Lindh Foundation

2005:

Creation of Anna Lindh Foundation National Networks

International Headquarters inaugurated in Alexandria, with

the first Heads of National Networks Meeting

2006:

First ALF Call for Proposals

Launch of the Euro-Med Dialogue and Journalist Awards,

and Regional Education Programme

2007:

Training for Trainers programme is rolled out across the

Anna Lindh Foundation Networks, in more than 30 countries

2008:

First Regional Campaign, 1001 Actions for Dialogue,

launched for the Euro-Med Year of Intercultural Dialogue

2009:

Regional initiative, Restore Trust, Rebuild Bridges, in

response to the Gaza war and the impact of the economic

crisis on intercultural relations

2010:

First Anna Lindh Mediterranean Forum takes place in

Barcelona, and first Anna Lindh Report on Intercultural

Trends launched with Gallup

2011:

Tunis Exchange Forum and Young Arab Voices debate

programme launched in response to the historic social

uprisings in Arab countries

2012:

Dawrak: Citizens for Dialogue programme launched in nine

Arab Mediterranean countries, with a focus on exchange and

capacity-building

2013:

Second Anna Lindh Forum takes place in Marseille with more than

1,300 civil society members and institutions from 43 countries

2014:

10th Anniversary celebration event takes place in Naples

Second Anna Lindh Report on Intercultural Trends published

The Anna Lindh Foundation launches a new operational

phase and three-year programme from 2015

The ceremony of the Mediterranean Press Awards at Reuters building,

London, UK, 15 October 2014

Image: Daniel Leal-Olivas

gree

iffer