The Euro-Arab Dialogue Initiative Conference will focus on four main themes: harnessing cultural heritage and cultural diversity for reconciliation and dialogue; the role of local governments in the Euro-Arab dialogue; education, the prevention of violent extremism and the promotion of social inclusion; and new perspectives for media and the Euro-Arab dialogue.

The conference is organised within the framework of the Euro-Arab Dialogue Initiative at UNESCO Headquarters on on 9th and 10th December 2016. The important event, an outcome of a close collaboration with the Euro-Arab network of National Commissions for UNESCO and the MBI Al Jaber Foundation, aims to consolidate and expand Euro-Arab cooperation by framing its inherent aspirations in the current international context.

Launched in October 2001, the Euro-Arab Dialogue Initiative (EADI) was created by National Commissions for UNESCO on the basis of the deeply rooted belief that peace can only emerge through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Over the past fifteen years, EADI has mobilised both UNESCO and civil society actors around Euro-Arab concerns on culture and education for intercultural dialogue.

In the current environment - marked by humanitarian crises, mass movements of populations and the destruction of irreplaceable cultural heritage and threats to cultural expression, identifying effective responses has become increasingly urgent.

Based on their experiences and the outcomes of the discussions, young personalities are invited along with the National Commissions to develop the next Plan of Action for the Euro-Arab Dialogue.