Alexandria, 2 May - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt co-facilitated this year’s edition of a Youth Exchange Programme, organized by the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Institute (DEDI) and the Swedish Institute in Alexandria (SwedAlex). This year’s theme was “Migration across EU - MENA Region: New Perspective, New Understanding”.

The 37 participants from 22 countries convened at the historical building of the Swedish Institute in Alexandria. An open dialogue and exchange of points of view on migration was held during the forum. The programme included panel discussions that were followed by interactive activities and workshops engaging the participants. The speakers facilitating the programme included practitioners and academics in the field of migration, environmental experts, an Egyptian member of the Parliament and one media professional. The participants visited the photo exhibition Portraits of Migration by the Egyptian-Swedish photographer Alexander Mahmoud.

“This is an amazing opportunity to me as a European citizen to learn a lot of new things about migration. I love reading books, by talking to each and every one of this group, I feel like I read different books from different authors. Thanks for this great exposure,” said one of the participants.

At the end of this four-day learning programme, held in the cosmopolitan city of Alexandria, participants received certificates of participation and left with nice memories and a new network of fellow youth who have a strong, shared interest in migration.

This activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals, namely number 10 “Reduce Inequality Within and Among Countries,” and Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy, especially, the Social Justice Pillar.

For more information, please contact Tanja Pacifico at iomegypt@iom.int.