Middle East Mediterranean Summer Summit 2020, Lugano, Switzerland

Published by ludmilla

Deadline: 15 March 2020
Open to: interested candidates between the age of 25 -35 from Middle East Mediterranean region and Europe
Venue: 20 – 28 August 2020, Lugano, Switzerland

Description

The Middle East Mediterranean region, a geopolitical space deeply affected by disorder and convulsions both on land and sea, has undergone profound and rapid changes over the past few years. From upheavals of this magnitude, a new world order has emerged for the twenty-first century. From East to West, North to South of the extended Middle East Mediterranean region – from Iran to Algeria and from Syria to the Sudan – several elements of young civil societies are working together across the political spectrum, weaving the threads of dialogue, civic liberties, and sustainable development. Such initiatives are not necessarily in the media spotlight, but together make up a major network from which tomorrow’s social fabric will emerge. It is a phenomenon that Europe must welcome and encourage, if only to ensure its own security in an area of shared prosperity with its southern neighbours.  It is precisely with this in mind that the programme of this Summit was conceived. The Summit – designed as an intellectual and social exchange across borders, cultures and languages – is composed of two parts: an eight-day Seminar and a two-day Forum. The emphasis is on the need and ambition to pursue an incisive analysis and reflection on the complex challenges facing the extended Middle East Mediterranean region.

The summit will take place in Lugano, Switzerland from 20 – 28 August 2020

Eligibility

The MEM Summer Summit welcomes applications from candidates:

  • aged between 25 and 35;
  • from the Middle East Mediterranean region and Europe and/or with a proven interest in the region and engagement in the society;
  • with diverse educational backgrounds and work experience (professionals with careers in business, media, human rights and non-governmental work as well as artists, intellectuals, students and researchers). Multidisciplinarity and heterogeneity of experience are enriching and crucial to approaching the complex issues from plural perspective;
  • interested and willing to work on project-proposals with an across border approach with participants coming from all over the region
  • with the ability to work as part of a diversified team;
  • with a strong knowledge of English; knowledge of French is an asset.

Benefits

The MEM Summer Summit offers a limited number of partial or full grants for participating in the MEM Summer Summit 2020.

  • Full grants cover travel, accommodation and tuition fee;
  • Partial grants cover tuition fee and/or accommodation.

Priority will be given to covering the expenses of citizens from low-income countries or with proven financial needs. Applicants may apply for a grant by uploading a grant request letter on the YCM Platform (https://ycm2020.mem-summersummit.ch)

How to Apply?

Applicants must submit a complete application here.

In addition to completing the forms on the platform, applicants must upload the following documents:

  • A Letter of Intent of no more than two pages describing current interests and plans in the MEM region, suggesting how the MEM Summer Summit may help further those interests and plans
  • An up-to-date curriculum vitae
  • A short introduction video in English (up to two minutes long), in which the applicant introduces themselves, briefly state why they are the right candidate and how they can contribute to the Summit
  • The names and contacts of two referees

For more information and how to apply please visit the official website.