From 19 to 22 May, the Candid Foundation, as the Head of the German Anna Lindh Network, organized a networking meeting with representatives from national Anna Lindh Networks across the SWANA region. The gathering brought together participants from German member organizations and Arab Anna Lindh Networks to strengthen exchange, collaboration, and future Euro-Mediterranean partnerships.

The event focused on current social and political challenges affecting civil society actors in Germany and the SWANA region. Through workshops, collaborative sessions, and open discussions, participants explored the role of civil society in changing political contexts, opportunities for transnational cooperation, and shared experiences related to polarization, social transformation, and shrinking civic spaces.

At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty, the meeting created valuable space for personal exchange, mutual learning, and intercultural dialogue. Informal encounters complemented the program and encouraged conversations on common challenges and future cooperation.

The gathering highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships, trust-building, and sustained dialogue for resilient civil societies. The ideas and connections developed during the meeting are expected to contribute to future initiatives within the Anna Lindh Network.

The event was supported by the German Federal Foreign Office and hosted with the support of the Kamel Lazaar Foundation.