YOUTH FOR PEACE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA – FINAL CONFERENCE
The Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea project concluded its two-year journey with a vibrant Final Conference held on 28 October 2025 at the Palais des Congrès in Rabat, hosted by Med Forum Morocco. The event brought together youth leaders, educators, and representatives from partner organisations across eight Mediterranean countries to celebrate the project’s achievements and discuss new paths for cooperation under the Erasmus+ Programme.
It was also a special occasion where the winners of the Youth for Peace Video Contest were honoured. These young creators, whose videos best captured the project’s spirit of peace and inclusion, had the chance to travel to Rabat to attend the Final Conference in person. Their presence symbolised how creativity and storytelling can unite voices across borders and generations.
The day opened with welcoming remarks from Med Forum Morocco, followed by words from the Spanish coordinating organisation AIIJ, which retraced the project’s evolution from its launch in December 2023 to its completion in November 2025. Guests from ministries, universities, and local NGOs joined the gathering, showing strong institutional support for peace education and youth participation.
The audience then watched the official project video, produced by AIIJ and featuring moments from all national activities, youth exchanges, and multiplier events. The screening drew warm applause and reflected the shared energy that had powered Youth for Peace since its first steps.
Presentation of Project Results
Throughout the morning, partner organisations presented the project’s key outcomes:
• the eBook of Participatory Proposals, a collection of youth ideas for a peaceful and inclusive Mediterranean;
• the Project Manual on Peace Education, summarising the non-formal learning methods tested during the activities;
• and the Final Video, capturing stories of transformation and cooperation among young participants.
Each partner shared how the project was implemented in their country AIIJ and FORO in Spain, CESIE in Italy, IMF in France, ASED in Tunisia, Jovesolides Egypt, HR180 in Jordan, and YDO in Lebanon emphasising how local youth networks multiplied the project’s message of peace.
The highlight of the afternoon was a round-table discussion titled “Youth Voices for a Peaceful and Inclusive Mediterranean.” Young participants and youth workers exchanged views on intercultural dialogue, equality, and the fight against misinformation. Speakers underlined the need for continuous youth empowerment and stronger cross-Mediterranean cooperation.
Panelists also reflected on how the project aligned with the Erasmus Youth Quality Standards, ensuring meaningful inclusion, diversity, and long-term impact.
After the debates, the conference moved to a cultural segment featuring performances by Moroccan youth artists and short creative presentations from partner delegations. Music, poetry, and video messages celebrated the Mediterranean’s shared identity and diversity.
A photo exhibition displayed snapshots from two years of project activities youth exchanges, stakeholder meetings, and peace workshops reminding everyone of the effort and unity behind every milestone.
In the final session, AIIJ and Med Forum Morocco thanked all partners for their cooperation and dedication. Certificates of recognition were distributed, and participants shared their vision for a future “Youth for Peace Network” that will keep the collaboration alive beyond the project’s end.
The Final Conference successfully fulfilled Deliverable D4.6 under Work Package 4 – Impact and Dissemination, ensuring wide visibility for the project’s results and the European Union’s contribution.
The day closed with a sense of pride and hope. Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea may have reached its end, but its legacy continues through the partnerships, friendships, and shared commitment it inspired. The conference in Rabat became not only a celebration of achievements but a promise to keep building bridges of dialogue, creativity, and cooperation across the Mediterranean.