info@myfmed.org
partnerships@myfmed.org
Facebook Linkedin Flickr Tiktok Instagram
Donate

From Hurghada: The Mediterranean Youth Foundation Addresses Climate Change! The Mediterranean Youth Foundation, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, is preparing to launch the second edition of our regional project, the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate, from December 19 to 23, 2024. The importance of the initiative stems from its response to the growing environmental challenges in the Mediterranean region, which accommodate more than 510 million people, and where temperatures are rising 20% faster than the global average, according to United Nations reports. This initiative aims to build capacities, develop environmental policies, and generate knowledge to raise awareness about climate change. It serves as a platform for interaction and cultural exchange among Mediterranean youth to innovate environmental solutions and address shared challenges. Stay tuned for event details and share your expectations with us!

“Ministry of Youth and Sports and Mediterranean Youth Foundation Continue to Address Climate Change” The Mediterranean Youth Foundation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports are continuing the activities of the second edition of the regional project “Mediterranean Initiative for Climate” from December 19 to 23, 2024. The initiative included a variety of sessions, ranging from workshops and listening sessions to research activities and presentations focusing on Gender Lens on Climate Change. These sessions were led by Dr. Yasmeen Aladdin, a gender expert and co-president of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation. The initiative also featured artistic performances by participants that addressed concepts such as loss and damage, mitigation and adaptation, and deep decarbonization, reflecting the initiative’s aim to translate climate action to the grassroots level. The importance of this initiative lies in responding to the increasing environmental challenges in the Mediterranean region, which accommodate more than 510 million people, where temperatures are rising 20% faster than the global average, according to UN Environment reports. Our journey in Hurghada for climate change has come to an end, but our efforts continue. Stay tuned for more updates!

The Mediterranean Youth Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is organizing the second edition of the regional project, “The Mediterranean Initiative for Climate,” from December 19 to 23, 2024. This initiative aims to build the capacities of representatives of youth organizations and entities, develop environmental policies, and generate knowledge to raise awareness about climate change. It also seeks to explore the regional interaction mechanism between science and policies as recognized by the Barcelona Convention. The initiative includes diverse sessions such as workshops, hearings, research activities, and presentations on the conceptual framework and historical background of climate change, along with key related international agreements. It also featured a knowledge competition on climate and environmental terminology presented by Mr. Youssef Aroog. Additionally, the initiative hosted a session on climate diplomacy and translating climate action to the grassroots level, including mechanisms for negotiation between parties, presented by Mr. Mohamed Ageez, Climate Action Advisor at the Mediterranean Youth Foundation and Managing Partner at TIS Labs. The importance of this initiative lies in responding to the increasing environmental challenges in the Mediterranean region, which accommodate more than 510 million people, where temperatures are rising 20% faster than the global average, according to UN Environment reports. Our activities are still ongoing… Stay tuned! #Youth #peace #Youth4Mediterranean #MYF

Before the next United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference 2022 (UNFCCC, COP 27) that will take place in Egypt in November 2022, the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development (MYF,) hosted  in cooperation with the “Oceans Network” through the Erasmus+ student and Alumni Alliance (ESAA EU,) funded by the “European Commission” with the support of the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, brought together 55 youth aged 21-35 from the Euro-Mediterranean countries for a 3-day training covering the topic of climate change, in August 2022 in El- Alamein, Egypt.

How It Worked?

The aim of the initiative was to raise awareness about climate change and building the capabilities of youth in the field of climate change. In addition to the training, awareness raising campaigns and contests that have been organized on the same topic, engaging as many youths as possible with the priority topics of the upcoming COP27 (unemployment, The climate crisis, migration, gender inequality) and building the capacities of young men and women to face these challenges.

In a multicultural atmosphere, the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate was launched, with participation of 55 participants from different Mediterranean countries from Spain, Lebanon, Palestine, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Egypt which included about 10 workshops and panel discussions with approximately 50 training hours, and addressed a number of main topics of concern to everyone interested in the environment and climate change, namely environmental peace, challenges of the environment in the Mediterranean and mechanisms of mitigation and adaptation.

The workshops also dealt with how to write a policy paper specialized in the environment, and at the end of the program, the participants worked on writing and submitting policy papers, which will be evaluated and reviewed, to be presented to the officials.

How was social media used?

Before the workshops started, the Mediterranean Youth Foundation launched an online awareness campaign to educate the audience about the issue of climate change, the dangers of using plastic, and how they can contribute to reducing the effects of climate change by publishing a set of posters and infographics.

Also, two competitions were launched. The first was a question competition, the winners received a set of prizes, from an opportunity to participate in the workshops to financial prizes and certificates of appreciation, and the second competition was an article competition, where the participants worked on writing articles on the issue of climate change in Arabic and English. A team of professionals assessed them, and the essay competition winners were allowed to participate in the workshops and receive monetary prizes.

Outcomes 

We are at a critical moment in human history. We are facing a dangerous issue that needs individuals, communities, local, regional and global organizations and governments to come together to reduce the effects of climate change. In November 2022, world leaders will gather at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, an important event in our journey to tackle climate change. We came out of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate with a set of recommendations, which are as follows:

  1. The necessity of activating and accelerating climate policies worldwide and involving youth in a greater way in limiting the effects of climate change.
  2. Climate action cannot be postponed for the next decade, next year, or tomorrow. We all have to take action now.
  3. There is an urgent need to view the environment as an essential human right.
  4. Governments and local, regional, and international organizations need to strengthen the channels of communication between them, and governments should strengthen the channels of participation at the national and international levels in all stages of planning, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring of climate action policies and programs.

In the end, it can be said that this initiative was an excellent opportunity to pave the way for the Climate Summit, as it was necessary to involve a group of young people from all over the world to exchange views, experiences, and cultures, to come up with a set of policies that can be presented to governments to reduce the effects of climate change.

*A Funded Opportunity for Those Interested in Climate Action in Egypt – The Mediterranean Initiative for Climate MIC*.

Are you a climate action activist?
Do you have an idea or a recommendation in the field of climate and you need a financial or technical support?
Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
If your answers are yes, then this is your opportunity to be part of the change.

Apply now for the 4th edition of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate (MIC) and receive free training and a chance to obtain a financial support up to 500 USD.

The project is implemented by the Mediterranean Youth Foundation (MYF) under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Environment and in cooperation with Misr El-Kheir Foundation and Population Matters. The 4th edition focuses on three key pillars:

Building youth capacity, enhancing climate knowledge, and understanding international efforts and the outcomes of climate summits.
Empowering youth through field environmental initiatives and providing direct financial support.
Supporting their participation in decision-making by training them on how to prepare policy papers and provide badges to attend official climate negotiations.

Benefits of participation:

Receive free training on climate change, its historical background, and international efforts.
The possibility of obtaining micro-technical and financial support up to 500 USD to fund environmental initiatives and projects.
Participate in the preparation of policy papers with the possibility of obtaining badges to attend official climate negotiations such as COP-SB.

Note: This project is funded, and there are no fees for participation.

The final deadline for registration is December 20, 2025, at 11PM Cairo Time.

The third edition of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate (MIC) is being launched from Ras El Bar, Egypt. In parallel with the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Egypt 2025), the Mediterranean Youth Foundation and its partners launched the third edition of our strategic project, the “Mediterranean Initiative for Climate.” The initiative is jointly supported by the Council of Europe and the European Union and is being implemented in Egypt by the Mediterranean Youth Foundation, under the joint patronage of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Environment. The events kicked off with ice-breaking sessions and energizing activities, followed by interactive workshops addressing key climate change questions: What is it? When did it start? How was the response of the international community? What is the role of cultural dialogue in fostering Euro-Mediterranean cooperation? This initiative comes as part of the foundation’s plan to develop the skills and build the capacities of civil society actors, aiming for sustainable development driven by youth leadership. Aroog also facilitated an analytical session that explored the evolution of international frameworks to combat climate change , starting from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), followed by the Kyoto Protocol, and then the Paris Agreement, all the way up to the long-term European Green Deal, which aims to make the EU the first climate-neutral continent by achieving net-zero emissions by 2050! A rich sequence that reflects how the international community’s response to the climate issue has evolved, and highlights the importance of continued cross-border cooperation for a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for upcoming events and reports.

« All Events

UNAOC and BMW Group Announce the 10 Recipients of the Intercultural Innovation Hub

UNAOC and BMW Group Announce the 10 Recipients of the Intercultural Innovation Hub

May 24, 2023

24 May 2023, Berlin, Germany — Ten global grassroots initiatives have been named recipients of the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Hub during a ceremony held in Berlin, Germany. A partnership between the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, implemented with the support of Accenture, the Intercultural Innovation Hub recognizes and supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, and contribute to peace, cultural diversity, and inclusive societies.

This year, civil society organizations from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Mexico, and South Africa were selected following a competitive process. Their projects range from fostering diverse and inclusive societies, to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, to promoting art, sports and culture for social change.

“Civil society is evolving in dynamic and impactful ways, with grassroots-level innovations at the forefront of driving meaningful change. The organizations we recognized through the Intercultural Innovation Hub exemplify just that. We are proud to amplify their contribution to diversity, mutual respect, and inclusion. Further, we celebrate our lasting collaboration with BMW Group as we continue to connect, empower, and elevate these grassroots initiatives,” said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC.

“At the BMW Group, we recognize that intercultural understanding enriches the communities we are acting in. That is why we are so proud of our strong partnership with UNAOC. The Intercultural Innovation Hub enables us to highlight some of the remarkable cross-cultural work being done worldwide. Our commitment to the recipients includes relevant resources we can offer that can promote these initiatives. This can make the crucial difference in turning an idea into practice that evolves local communities and improves people’s lives,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director.

The recipients of the Intercultural Innovation Hub will benefit from funding, as well as a comprehensive 12-month capacity-building and mentoring programme.

The 2023 Intercultural Innovation Hub Recipients, in no particular order, are as follows:

Inspire (Indonesia) – Pledge United
Inspire uses sport to tackle gender-based violence in Indonesia. Through Pledge United, Inspire offers an eight-week programme for boys that integrates football and gameplay with lessons about advocating for women’s rights. Through this football-based initiative, young men take a “pledge” to give the red card to gender-based violence.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/inspire-pledge-united/

Mais Diferenças (Brazil) – Literature in Multiple Accessible Formats
Mais Diferenças aims to provide accessible reading for people of all abilities. Based on the principles of universal design and accessibility, this project combines text, audio narratives, sign language animation and other features to give people with disabilities access to multimedia literature.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/mais-diferencas-literature-in-multiple-accessible-formats/

Oasis ‘Reach For Your Dreams’ (South Africa) – Community Street Football/Netball
Oasis ‘Reach for Your Dreams’ uses sport to educate and reintegrate youth at risk of becoming involved in gang-related activities. By encouraging young people to join street football events with a focus on fair play, team spirit and conflict management, the initiative empowers participants to live positive and self-sufficient lives.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/oasis-reach-for-your-dreams-community-street-football-netball/

Tech2Peace (Israel) – A New Reality: Israelis and Palestinians Innovating Together
Tech2Peace takes an innovative approach to peacebuilding by organizing seminars that provide technical and entrepreneurial training alongside intercultural and interfaith dialogue. The project creates a safe space where young Israelis and Palestinians can study and innovate collaboratively, creating fertile ground for cooperation and trust needed to advance peace in the region.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/tech2peace-a-new-reality-israelis-and-palestinians-innovating-together/

Fundación Ixcanul (Guatemala) – Itinerant Travelling Cinema
Fundación Ixcanul screens films in remote parts of Guatemala to give marginalized communities access to powerful stories told on the big screen. Through audiovisual storytelling, followed by panel discussions with residents, the project sparks conversations about such issues as poverty, inequality and racism. The initiative further provides media coverage to these remote areas, amplifying the voices of local creators.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/fundacion-ixcanul-itinerant-travelling-cinema/

Programa Adopte un Talento / PAUTA (Mexico) – Empowering Girls and Adolescent Girls from Vulnerable Groups and Communities in Mexico with Science
PAUTA works to recognize and nurture the talent of girls with an aptitude for science. Through a gender-based approach to scientific learning, which pairs gifted students from marginalized groups with a mentor, this programme enables girls to reach their full potential in the STEM field.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/programa-adopte-un-talento-pauta-empowering-girls-and-adolescent-girls/

Welcoming Australia (Australia) – Welcoming Cities
Welcoming Australia is dedicated to creating a prosperous and cohesive nation built on inclusive multicultural communities. Their Welcoming Cities project is a network of cities and towns that work to include people from all walks of life into the social, cultural, economic and civic life of their communities. This project champions the idea that embracing diversity is the key to Australia’s economic success and social cohesion.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/welcoming-australia-welcoming-cities/

Wasel for Awareness and Education (Jordan) – Shabbek Wa Bader
Wasel for Awareness and Education breaks down cultural and socioeconomic barriers by fostering connections and understanding between youth of diverse backgrounds. The Shabbek Wa Bader project aims to deconstruct the “victim-and-hero” mentality of voluntary work by bringing together youth from both public and private high schools to work together to create robust solutions for their communities.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/wasel-for-awareness-and-education-shabbek-wa-bader/

SWANS Initiative (Germany) – More Leylas in Leadership
The Swans Initiative provides professional opportunities to women facing intersectional discrimination in the job market. Through mentorship, career coaching, and capacity-building, their initiative ensures German-raised academics, particularly immigrant women, Black women and women of color, get equal access to the employment opportunities they have earned and deserve.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/swans-initiative-more-leylas-in-leadership/

Fundación Barranquilla+20 (Colombia) – Women for Climate Justice
Fundación Barranquilla+20 ensures marginalized women get a seat at the table of climate decision-making. The project advocates for the participation of young marginalized women — including indigenous, Black, women of color, and migrant women — in climate talks. Leveraging the leadership of 16 young Colombian women by supporting them in advancing gender and climate justice, the project seeks to place gender equity at the heart of climate policy.
More info: https://interculturalinnovation.org/fundacion-barranquilla20-women-for-climate-justice/