Sailing Together for the Future: MYF Strengthens Mediterranean Cooperation in Portugal
As part of its pathway “Mediterranean Youth on Track,” the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development (MYF) proudly participated in the international seminar “Sailing Together for the Future,” held from 8 to 13 June 2026 in Castelo de Vide, Portugal. The seminar brought together 26 representatives from non-profit and non-governmental organizations across 14 countries from Euro-Mediterranean region.
Representing MYF were Mr. Youssef Aroog, Elected Co-President of MYF, and Ms. Nadine Gad, Projects, Partnerships, and Resource Development Coordinator, who joined fellow youth leaders and practitioners in a shared space dedicated to dialogue, networking, and strengthening cooperation among civil society organizations.
Implemented under the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, the seminar was organized by Jograis Audazes – Associação pela Cultura e Desenvolvimento Sustentado, in cooperation with Mediterranean Youth Foundation (MYF), and gathered participants from Portugal, Egypt, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Jordan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Türkiye.
Throughout the seminar, participants collaboratively explored ways to establish an informal and inclusive Mediterranean network that promotes mobility, volunteering, training, and long-term cooperation among organizations working with youth and communities. Through participatory discussions and group work, the participants identified shared values, operating principles, and common priorities for future collaboration.
The final stage of the seminar focused on transforming ideas into action. Participants designed several initiatives addressing key themes relevant to the Mediterranean region, including:
- Environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
- Artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
- Mental health and well-being.
- Strengthening youth participation and policy engagement.
- Capacity building and organizational development.
Beyond the working sessions, participants had the opportunity to discover the cultural heritage of Castelo de Vide and Marvão, engage with local stakeholders, and exchange experiences that further strengthened intercultural understanding and Mediterranean solidarity.
One of the most important outcomes of the seminar was the commitment of participating organizations to continue cooperation through an online meeting scheduled for July 2026 and to organize a follow-up gathering next year in Kosovo, ensuring the continuity of the network and the initiatives developed during the seminar.
Through its participation in “Sailing Together for the Future,” MYF reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, empowering youth and women, and creating opportunities for dialogue, mobility, and collective action towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.