Launch of the Anna Lindh Foundation’s Euro-Mediterranean Schools Program on Cultural Diversity
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Alexandria, 22 2005—The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) witnessed on 22 September, the launch of the Euro-Mediterranean Schools Program on Cultural Diversity, organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures, and based as a follow-up to the Rabat Commitment on dialogue between cultures and civilizations (Rabat-Morocco, 14-16 June 2005).
The event included opening addresses by Dr. Traugott Schoefthaler, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation, and Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, who shed light on sustainability, different kinds of capital and cultural diversity. He pointed out how schools have a role to play in bridging the gaps between different cultures.
Ms. Sigrid Niedermayer, International Coordinator of the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network, UNESCO Paris, affirmed how the Euro-Mediterranean Schools Program on Cultural Diversity works to affirm our common humanity despite differences in race, religion and beliefs. She also stated that the Euro-Mediterranean Schools Network includes a participating number of 7900 schools working together to enhance and develop education.
Other opening speakers included H.E. Dr. Klaus Ebermann, Ambassador Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Egypt; Ms. Olof Olafsdottir, Head of the Department of School and Out-of-School Education, Council of Europe; and Dr. Mohammed Chtatou, Program Specialist, Directorate of Education, ISESCO.
A musical performance by students of the Moharem Bek Secondary School choir concluded the opening session.
The Euro-Mediterranean Schools network program aims essentially to establish sustainable links and networking between schools and pupils, aged 12-18, from 35 Euro-Mediterranean and several neighboring countries within the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network and existing Euro-Mediterranean schools programs as a starting point. In addition, it aims to develop innovative learning projects by a series of school twinning teams involving at least two schools from EU Member States and two schools from Mediterranean partner countries.
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Dr. Traugott Schoefthaler
during his opening address |
Dr. Ismail Serageldin
during his opening address |
Choir’s musical performance |