El Hiwar Summer School 2025 Empowers Young Euro-Arab Leaders in Digital Citizenship

The fifth edition of El Hiwar Summer School on Euro-Arab Relations successfully concluded Friday 5 September, reinforcing its role as a key platform for youth-led diplomacy. From 1-5 September, young leaders from across Europe and the Arab region convened in Bruges and Brussels to explore the theme "Technology for empowerment: Youth agency in digital citizenship."

In an era where the digital sphere is central to civic participation, this year's Summer School tackled the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing youth. The programme addressed how technology is shaping governance, education, and employment, and how young people can effectively navigate issues like misinformation to become powerful agents of change.

The programme, which opened with remarks from representatives of the European Union and the Mission of the League of Arab States in Brussels, immediately established a framework of partnership. It addressed digital transformation not as a separate issue, but as a shared priority central to the future of Euro-Arab relations. Discussions highlighted parallel trends in digital usage among youth in both regions, focusing on common goals such as bridging digital divides and enhancing civic participation.

Throughout the week, participants were immersed in a dynamic curriculum of interactive lectures, skills-building workshops, and collaborative 'ideas labs'. The agenda was enriched by a diverse range of speakers, including senior diplomats, leading academics from prominent European policy centres, and civil society experts, ensuring a multifaceted and high-level dialogue.

A cornerstone of the programme was the study visit to Brussels. This provided participants with first-hand exposure to the mechanisms of Euro-Arab policy at the European External Action Service (EEAS). The sessions focused on EU cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa, joint strategies to tackle foreign information manipulation, and the foreign policy dimensions of digital rights. This direct engagement with policymakers was a particularly valued element, allowing participants to connect their discussions to the real-world processes of international cooperation. The day also included an insightful visit to the Media Diversity Institute to discuss civil society's role in promoting digital inclusivity.

The Summer School concluded with a final session on networking and project design, empowering participants to transform dialogue into tangible action. By fostering mutual understanding and equipping the next generation with practical skills, the El Hiwar Summer School continues to be platform for building bridges, promoting a resilient network of young leaders to foster a shared, prosperous, and digitally inclusive future for the Euro-Arab region.

For more information: https://www.coleurope.eu/elhiwar/summerschool-2025

El-Hiwar III contact: elhiwar@coleurope.eu

This project/event is organised by the College of Europe Executive Education, Training & Projects Office (TPO). Should you require more information, please contact info.training-projects@coleurope.eu