Eduardo González
Alexandria (the second largest city in Egypt) and Tirana (capital of Albania) will become the first Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue in 2025, an initiative coordinated by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation to pay tribute to the cultural diversity of the Euro-Mediterranean region and to promote mutual understanding and dialogue between its citizens.
As reported this week by the UfM in a press release, the two cities will host a program of activities for one year, including conferences, sporting events and cultural events, which will involve civil society and will have a Euro-Mediterranean dimension. Both Mediterranean Capitals will also participate in collaborative exchanges.
The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue initiative was launched by the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean during its seventh Regional Forum, in November 2022, following a proposal from the Ministers of Culture of the Euro-Mediterranean region (the June 17, 2022 in Naples) and on the recommendation of more than 200 young civil society representatives from more than 20 countries (February 7, 2022 in Marseille).
Under this initiative, one northern Mediterranean city and one southern Mediterranean city will serve each year as Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue. The call for the 2026 edition is open until July 7.
“In the heart of the Balkans and at a crossroads of civilizations, Tirana witnesses the coexistence of cultures, religions and historical influences from across the Mediterranean,” the organization highlighted. “Alexandria, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, has a long history of promoting cultural and intellectual creativity,” it added. “Both cities strive to strengthen intercultural dialogue, promote the values of tolerance and respect, and create spaces for cultural exchanges, making them ideal places to start this initiative,” it added.
“At a time of political division and serious conflicts, the Mediterranean Capitals initiative is proof of the power of culture to build bridges and promote much-needed dialogue,” declared UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel. “While we must recognize the differences that make us unique, now more than ever we must find beauty, resilience and strength in our shared identity as Mediterranean citizens,” he continued. “The region has endless potential, but only together will we truly prosper,” he added.
“At this important turning point in the history of the Euro-Mediterranean region, we are pleased to announce that Tirana and Alexandria will be the Mediterranean Capitals in 2025,” announced Princess Rym al-Ali, Jordanian journalist and president of the Anna Lindh Foundation. “This represents an important milestone on our path towards promoting Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. I congratulate Tirana and Alexandria for leading this valuable initiative in difficult times,” she added.
