The Anna Lindh Foundation Forum brought together voices from 43 countries in Tirana
In June, the Albanian capital Tirana hosted ALForum 2025, a prestigious gathering organised by the Anna Lindh Foundation, which brought together over 600 participants from 43 Euro-Mediterranean countries. Among them were representatives of the Czech national ALF Network. The three intensive days were dedicated to intercultural dialogue, diversity, and the building of new connections.
Representatives of civil society, youth leaders, policy-makers and artists came together in Tirana to jointly reflect on the present and future of intercultural dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The Forum was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Rym Ali, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, alongside Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, and the Acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani. The opening keynote was delivered by journalist Jaafar Abdul Karim, whose words set the tone for three days of inspiring discussions, experience-sharing and exploration of new approaches to intercultural cooperation.
Throughout the Forum, participants engaged with current challenges shaping the region. Discussions addressed the involvement of young people in public life and democratic processes, the role of media in combating hate speech and disinformation, climate issues and sustainability, and the importance of creativity and the arts in fostering dialogue between cultures. Particular attention was also given to how cultures and religions can be connected more effectively across the Mediterranean.
The Forum offered not only a space for professional exchange through panel discussions and workshops, but also a rich cultural programme. Among the most memorable moments were the performance by American-Palestinian comedian Maysoon Zayid and the evening programme at Skanderbeg Square, which brought the spirit of the Forum to the wider public.
The final day focused on youth voices, giving young participants a platform during the plenary session titled “Straight From the Youth’s Mouth”. The session was joined by Princess Rym Ali and Stefano Sannino, Head of the European Commission’s DG MENA. The discussion demonstrated that the younger generation has a clear voice and is ready to take the lead in fostering intercultural understanding. The Forum concluded with a strong call to place people-to-people dialogue and culture once again at the heart of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
If your organisation is active in the field of intercultural dialogue, education, culture or youth engagement, consider joining the Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation, you can find more information on the official ALF website.
