🌊 Bel Espoir Med 25: Peace Dialogues in the Mediterranean

Under the framework of the Mediterranean Youth Council (MED25), over 120 young people from Spain, Tunisia, Greece, and Lebanon embarked on the Bel Espoir Med 25. Over seven days at sea, they sailed from Barcelona to Sardinia, participating in debates, workshops, and artistic performances.

Participants and experiences

Lope, from Seville, organized a slam poetry workshop about migration; Lina, from Tunisia, led a circle of traditional music with percussion and strings. Each day ended with a “circle of words” at sunset, where they shared family stories.

Featured workshops

• Crossed Identities – Activities to explore how the Mediterranean’s shared history shapes new narratives.
• Climate Action – Marine chemistry labs to understand water acidification and propose community solutions.
• Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation – Political simulations to negotiate fishing agreements, sustainable tourism, and renewable energy.

Goals and legacy

The Bel Espoir Med 25 aims to weave networks of friendship and commitment: participants created a digital manifesto to share proposals on social media and with local city councils.

“On deck, we learned that the only war worth winning is against indifference.” — Anonymous participant

The next edition, planned for spring 2026, will extend the route to Malta and Cyprus, with the added challenge of including young refugees throughout the program.