Bringing debating skills to Egypt’s young people
This regional project is funded by the British Government’s Arab Partnership Initiative. Young Arab Voices relies on partnerships with non-governmental organisations, youth groups, culture centres, schools and universities, plus ministries in the targeted countries of Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
In 2012–13, more than 450 young people in 17 of Egypt’s governorates were trained in debating skills, with the 27 debates conducted attended by 3,520 young people. Themes ranged from hooliganism to healthcare reform.
In a debate that was televised worldwide, participants discussed their role in Egypt’s democratic future with members of The Elders: Jimmy Carter (former US President and Nobel Peace Laureate), Mary Robinson (first female President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) and Gro Harlem Brundtland (first female Prime Minister of Norway).
"Young Arab Voices is a pioneering programme. Firstly, in terms of the remarkable reach and impact the programme has already had across the Arab societies – actively engaging many thousands of youth from diverse social, geographical and political backgrounds. Secondly, in the way that two leading international institutions like the British Council and Anna Lindh Foundation have taken the strategic decision and bold approach to combine together their resources, networks and methodologies. It is a unique model of partnership in action and an effective response to the historic changes taking place across the MENA region."
Andreu Claret, Director Anna Lindh Foundation