Towards advancing Youth, Peace, and Security in the Mediterranean, SDF at ALForum 2025

Tirana, Albania | 18–20 June 2025

The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) participated in the ALForum 2025, organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation in partnership with the Municipality of Tirana and Albania’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, under the theme “The Dialogue Effect: From Knowledge to Action”, marking 20 years of the Foundation and 30 years since the Barcelona Process. Against the backdrop of “Inspiring Knowledge—Driving Action—Uniting Cultures,” SDF joined some 800 participants from 43 countries across the Mediterranean and Europe. Held across Tirana’s iconic venues—Skanderbeg Square, the National Opera & Ballet, and the International Hotel of Tirana—ALForum fused plenary sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops to catalyse regional cohesion and innovation. 

Throughout the three-day event, SDF positioned itself not merely as a participant but as an active catalyst for Mediterranean youth-led peacebuilding. It engaged in a diverse range of thematic tracks—from digital innovation and cultural dialogue to climate-informed social reform. SDF capitalised on ALForum’s pan-Euro-Mediterranean platform to elevate Palestinian youth voices through networking with civil society actors, policymakers, and philanthropic networks. SDF engaged in parallel events, such as “Digital waves: Youth and digital innovation without borders” and “Unlocking Youth Competitiveness,” that underscored the youth’s role in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and skill-building. Our participation in these sessions reinforced SDF’s advocacy for integrating technology into youth-led peacebuilding initiatives. 

The case of the New Pact for the Mediterranean   

Representative of the SDF, our communications officer, Atta Khaled, participated as a panelist in a parallel session on: “Advancing the Role of Youth for Peace and Security: The Case of the New Pact for the Mediterranean”. Mr. Khaled shared the panel with three other outstanding young leaders from the Mediterranean: Christelle Barakat, from the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (LCPS); Marjus Ceveli, from Sustainable Cooperation for Peace & Security, Italy; and Raounak Nasri, an Algerian Gender & Communication Consultant.

This session, moderated by the European Climate Pact Ambassador, Mostafa Abbas, addressed the shifting geopolitical realities in the Mediterranean and MENA regions, emphasizing next-generation, human-centric approaches within the New Pact for the Mediterranean. It spotlighted the transformative potential of youth, women, and grassroots movements in peacebuilding. It focused on the security component of the Pact, stressing the special role of youth, as well as grassroots initiatives in peacemaking. It also elaborated on the outcome of the ALF Public Event on the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, organised in April 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.

I endured 4 wars and survived a genocide within 23 years of my life. However, I’ve witnessed firsthand how youth-led initiatives are always proactive in fostering positive peacebuilding efforts.

 Atta Khaled, Communications Officer, Social Developmental Forum

During his remarks, Mr. Khaled suggested a tripled role for youth & grassroots peacebuilders:

• Facilitation – Young people bridge communities and institutions, embedding transparency. He highlighted SDF’s “Youth for Accountability” as a facilitative dialogue and accountability model, which contributed to equitable aid distribution through local displacement camp management. 
• Evaluation – Youth bring insider perspectives to assess peace initiatives. As a former Palestinian Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) member, Khaled highlighted that YAP aims to “move from having a seat at the table to having a say at the table.” 
• Transformation – Youth reshape social norms. Through MENA4YPS dialogues, he leads a youth dialogue and structured survey that brings together youth and experts to exchange insights and transform YPS efforts in the MENA region.
  

He concluded: “Facilitation opens channels, evaluation ensures adaptability, and transformation embeds new norms. These pillars are essential for any serious EU-Southern Mediterranean collaboration.” and on EU engagement, Khaled laid out actionable steps across all YPS pillars—ranging from youth advisory roles, psychosocial/legal protection, community-led early warning, intergenerational forums, to restorative reintegration programmes.

SDF’s intervention at ALForum strengthens its position as a Palestinian leader in global youth-driven peacebuilding. It sends a clear message: to build equitable, sustainable security in the Mediterranean, youth must be resourced and recognized, not just in rhetoric, but as strategic stakeholders.