Celebrating collaboration, youth engagement, and best practices for a more inclusive future

On April 15, 2025, we had the pleasure of participating in the General Assembly of the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Cyprus Network, held at the Cultural Center of Strovolos, Nicosia. The event brought together organisations from across the island to exchange ideas, share inspiring practices, and strengthen the collective mission of fostering dialogue, diversity, and mutual understanding across the Mediterranean.

About the Anna Lindh Foundation

Founded in 2005, the Anna Lindh Foundation is the first institution created by the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, dedicated to promoting intercultural dialogue and cooperation across the region. With a network of over 4,000 civil society organisations, the ALF works to create spaces for mutual understanding, amplify diverse voices, and support initiatives that strengthen inclusive societies. Its vision is based on the principle that diversity is a strength, not a challenge, and that cooperation across borders is essential for building a shared future.

General Assembly of the Anna Lindh Foundation Cyprus Network

The day kicked off with updates on the Network’s structure and internal regulations, followed by the election of the new Steering Committee. We are proud to announce that our organisation, COMCY, a close partner, will continue successfully serving on the Steering Committee for another year, contributing to the strategic direction and empowerment of the Cyprus Network.

Spotlight on Best Practices and Youth Participation

The General Assembly hosted a series of dynamic panels that highlighted outstanding initiatives across education, coexistence, youth engagement, and social inclusion. Among the key highlights:

• Education & Coexistence: Organisations shared experiences in using storytelling, community collaboration, and peer learning methods to bridge divides and promote inclusive education outside traditional spaces like galleries and institutions.
• Youth Participation: Initiatives encouraging young people to become active citizens were presented, featuring programmes by organisations such as Oxygen for Democracy and Youth for Exchange and Understanding Cyprus. Emphasis was placed on giving youth a voice in shaping democratic societies.
• Social Cohesion and Inclusion: Projects working with diverse communities to foster social inclusion showcased innovative models of public engagement, empowerment, and cultural understanding.

The event also provided insights into risk mitigation strategies for project implementation, addressing both internal and external challenges – a critical takeaway for all organisations aiming to ensure the sustainability and impact of their actions.

Echoing Dr. Elena Theodoulou-Charalambous, President of the Board of the Organisation for European Programmes and Cultural Relations, the work of the Anna Lindh Foundation is built on the self-exploration and development of culture, the promotion of dialogue, and a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cooperation. Her words echoed throughout the Assembly: “diversity is a strength, not a challenge”, and it is through this lens that we continue to work together toward a common goal.

The General Assembly reinforced the shared vision of the Anna Lindh Foundation and the communities we serve—a vision where collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of building a stronger, more inclusive Mediterranean.

For more information about the Anna Lindh Foundation, visit www.annalindhfoundation.org.