Spotlight on Youth: The Contest that United the Mediterranean

Creativity, storytelling, and hope; these are the three words that best describe the Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea (YxP) video contest, “United for a More Peaceful and Inclusive Mediterranean.”

Launched earlier this year, the contest invited young people between 18 and 30 from across the Mediterranean region to express what peace and inclusion mean in their daily lives  all within one powerful minute. The call reached young filmmakers, activists, students, and volunteers from Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Italy, France, and Egypt, each bringing their unique voice and cultural perspective.

Over the following months, dozens of short videos arrived some filmed with professional cameras, others recorded on phones but all carried the same message: that peace begins with understanding, respect, and collaboration. Through music, poetry, and storytelling, participants reflected on the challenges faced by their communities and the power of youth to transform them.

A diverse jury of partner organisations carefully reviewed all submissions and selected three finalists whose creativity, message, and authenticity stood out. The public was then invited to vote online, making the process participatory and inclusive  a celebration of Mediterranean youth talent and engagement.

“I wanted to show that peace is not something abstract it’s something we build in our daily relationships,” said Adam  from Morocco.

The winning videos will be presented during the Final Conference in Rabat on 28 October 2025, where participants, partners, and guests will have the opportunity to watch them on the big screen. Beyond the awards, the contest became a bridge connecting young people across borders, reminding everyone that the Mediterranean is a shared space where art, empathy, and dialogue can thrive.

As the countdown to the conference continues, these creative stories will remain one of the project’s most emotional achievements proof that a single minute of honesty can inspire a lifetime of change.