Anna Lindh Foundation

CALL FOR SPEAKERS

ALForum 2025

Bring your expertise and knowledge to the stage and contribute to shape the Euro-Mediterranean region that we all want!

Application Deadline: 1 March 2025 

Read the Call and Application Form  here

About the Forum

The ALForum 2025 will bring together around 1,000 participants including civil society and academic entities, young leaders, media outlets, influential figures, governments and institutions representatives, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders from 43 countries across the Euro Mediterranean region. Together, we will share ideas, co-create actionable solutions, and engage in transformative discussions in the field of intercultural dialogue  

TheALForum 2025 is structured around three core dimensions inspired by our slogan: 

“Inspiring Knowledge, Driving Action, Uniting Cultures”

ALForum 2025 Theme:The Dialogue Effect

From Knowledge to Action: Redefining Dialogue in the Euro Mediterranean Region

In times of global uncertainty, dialogue might seem not powerful enough to address the challenges we face. Yet, when the world is shaken to its core, collective dialogue becomes not just a solution, but often the only way to move forward. Like the butterfly effect, the power of dialogue may not always be immediately visible but its impact is undeniable. Every decision, every initiative, and every transformative action begins with a conversation. A conversation to understand, connect and create change. 

This edition of the ALForum will demonstrate how meaningful dialogue, when built on knowledge and innovation, can lead to practical solutions, inspire resilience, and drive actionable change and we want you to be part of it! 

Who Should Submit a Proposal?

This call is for affiliated civil society practitioners, researchers, change makers, thought leaders and innovators across the region who are eager to speak and share their knowledge, and proven approaches with wider audiences.  

If you are passionate about addressing social and cultural aspects in the Euro-Mediterranean region and want to contribute to meaningful change through dialogue and collaboration, we invite you to submit your proposal.  

Why Should You Apply?

Showcase your expertise to a large, diverse, and engaged audience, amplifying your professional profile and exposure 

Build relationships with a wide variety of leading stakeholders from different countries across the region, expanding your network beyond your usual circles 

Engage in several interactive, cultural, and inspirational experiences that will allow you to connect not just professionally but also on a deeply human level 

In addition to that, ALF will cover the flight tickets, accommodation and main meals for the accepted speakers for the whole duration of the ALForum. 

What Your Intervention Could Focus On

Your contribution should be tailored to the Euro-Mediterranean context, addressing specific challenges and opportunities within the region in line with one of the ALForum thematic areas 

Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution/Prevention, Coexistence, and Inclusive Dynamics 

Disinformation and Misinformation in the Euro-Mediterranean Region 

Living Together: Promoting Tolerance and Understanding 

Youth Engagement in Participatory Dialogues and Decision-Making Processes 

Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Technologies 

Social Innovation as a Catalyst for Inclusion in Culturally Diverse Societies 

Empowering Women to Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Beyond 

Integrating Social Dimensions in Climate Change Policies 

Relations culturelles internationales et diplomatie culturelle a

Creative Industries and Art 

Your contribution could focus on one of the two below dimensions:  

Inspiring Knowledge

Share evidence-based research and fact findings addressing emerging issues and trends in the region. 

Driving Action

Provide actionable guidance and strategies that participants can apply in their contexts, enhancing their ability to drive impact, presenting case studies or innovative approaches.  

How it Works: Proposal Selection & Session Grouping

To participate as a speaker: 

  1. Read carefully the submission guidelines here 
  2. Choose your thematic area and dimension (Inspiring Knowledge or Driving Action), specifying your proposed contribution along with your preferred language (English, Arabic, or French) 
  3. Complete the proposal form, providing an outline of your idea and the value you aim to bring 

Important Notes

Only affiliated individuals who are available to participate in person during the days of the ALForum are eligible to apply. All accepted speakers must attend in person in Tirana, online participation is not possible. In principle, speakers should arrive on 17 June and depart on 20 or 21 June. Moreover, speakers should actively attend and participate in other sessions during the three days of the Forum, not just their own session 

Parallel sessions are 75 minutes long among 4-5 speakers per session. As a general rule, half of the time of the session should be devoted to speakers’ interventions and the other half to interact with the audience.  

Proposals must not promote any specific products, services or entities. They should focus on sharing insights, findings, case studies, and actionable strategies 

Speakers who have been directly invited by the ALF Secretariat or the ALF Heads of Network to participate in a parallel session are not eligible to apply to this call 

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria will be based on the quality of the applications received. Priority will be given to individuals affiliated with entities that are part of the ALF network. A gender, youth and geographical balance between regions and countries and diversity of professional backgrounds will be also observed. The evaluation process will consider the following key elements 

Thematic Relevance (20%) 

Alignment with the Forum theme and in regards the chosen thematic area  

Euro-Mediterranean Relevance (35%) 

Euro-Mediterranean scope of the proposed contribution 

Innovation (25%) 
Originality and creativity in ideas, with a focus on forward-thinking approaches 

Speaker’s Credentials (20%) 

Relevant competencies and professional experience in specific intercultural dialogue fields  

Quick Guide before Submitting

We are excited to see your ideas that will shape this year’s Forum. To support you in completing your application form, we have created this guide to inspire your creative thinking and offer practical tips. Take some time to reflect on the questions below to help shape your submission. 

Brainstorming Content Ideas: Ask yourself the following questions: 

What topics excites me the most? 

Why do I believe this topic is useful at the Euro-Mediterranean scale specifically? 

What are the most pressing challenges or questions in my field, and how can my contribution help address them? 

What insights, knowledge, or experiences can I share that provide valuable information to others? 

What knowledge or experiences can I share that will add value to others’ work or lives? 

What unique perspectives or solutions do I bring to the table? 

Writing the Description: 

Consider how your topic and idea can inspire knowledge or drive meaningful action. Highlight how your contribution addresses key challenges or opportunities and motivates the audience to think critically or take steps toward change.  Clearly explain why your topic is significant and why it should matter to attendees. 

Defining Learning Outcomes: 

Ask yourself: 

What specific skills, insights, or knowledge should attendees gain? 

What changes or actions do I want to inspire in them after they leave the session 

Creative Tips for Structuring Your Proposal 

Start with your “Bigger Picture” before diving into the details, ask yourself what the bigger impact of your contribution is. What broader challenge are you addressing, and why is it essential now? This can help you narrow down the focus and relevance of your idea 

Indicative Timeline

31/01/25 Launch of the call 

10/02/25 Online information session (details will be published on the ALF’ website) 

01/03/25 Deadline to receive submit applications 

29/03/25 Publication of the selection results 

18-20/06/25 ALForum 2025 Tirana  

DateActivity
31/01/25Launch of the call
10/02/25Online information session (details will be published on the ALF’ website)
01/03/25Deadline to receive submit applications
29/03/25Publication of the selection results
18-20/06/25ALForum 2025 Tirana

Don’t miss out on becoming part of the biggest event of the year in the Euro-Med region to showcase your expertise, build impactful connections with change-makers, and contribute to transformative discussions!

This Programme is developed in the framework of the Action Grant NDICI-GEO-NEAR/2022/434-371 in accordance with the Anna Lindh Foundation Multiannual Work Programme 2022-2025.  

In case of technical assistance or questions related to the call, please send your questions to alf.forum@alfsecretariat.org