OUR STORY
The Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) was established in 2005 born out of the vision set forth by the Barcelona Process. The Barcelona Process is a key initiative launched in 1995 that transformed Euro-Mediterranean relations. This initiative marked a turning point, bringing together the European Union and 12 southern and eastern Mediterranean countries for the first Euro-Mediterranean Conference. The resulting Euro-Mediterranean Partnership aimed to build a common space of peace, stability, shared prosperity and dialogue between cultures and civilisations.
Based in the heart of the Mediterranean in Alexandria, ALF carries this mission forward as an intergovernmental organisation that brings together civil society entities, institutions, governments, and change-makers from across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Through its diverse programmes and initiatives, the ALF creates spaces for people to meet, learn, and collaborate on relevant key themes. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, ALF builds meaningful networks that transform dialogue into action creating a ripple effect that empowers individuals and communities, spreading positive change across the region where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s voice is valued.
COMMON SHARED VALUES
Equality and Respect for Diversity
We respect human rights, fundamental freedoms, and cultural diversity
We challenge our own biases and denounce behaviour of stereotyping
We celebrate our identities and praise the diverse roots of our networks
We strive for equal opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, physical and mental challenges, or personal or religious beliefs
Solidarity and Empathy
We stand against any physical or mental act that leads to vulnerability
We promote a spirit of tolerance and invigorate diverse actions for dialogue between cultures
We facilitate actions for cross-border cooperation, enforce inclusion, and confront discrimination in all its forms
Accountability and Transparency
We adopt fair and monitorable practices that ensure a transparent and accountable work environment in the Foundation and its Networks
We treat others in a fair, transparent and respectful manner
We engage in activities which support the mission of the foundation and enhance the impact of its Networks.
Our Approach
Our approach combines participatory engagement with innovative solutions, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives contribute to meaningful impact.
Participatory
Approach
We foster the hands-on approach and ensure the full accessibility of our grassroots members to resources, information, and decision-making process
We strive to attain geographical balance in our actions, involving all regions of the Foundation equally where possible
We strive to integrate actions that consider cross-cutting issues and enhance the capacities of our stakeholders and final beneficiaries
Endorsement of Innovative and
Creative Approaches
We encourage and promote initiatives that support creativity and innovation
We adopt eco-friendly approaches that support building a sustainable and inclusive future
We strive to integrate actions that consider cross-cutting issues and enhance the capacities of our stakeholders and final beneficiaries
We aspire initiating collaborations with partners from diversified areas of expertise, adopting a cross-sectorial approach with the aim of sustaining the impact of the Foundation and ensuring the multiplication of achieved results
How the Foundation Works
ALF operates through Multi-Annual Action Plans, detailing specific Programmes and iniatives that bring the Foundation’s mission to life. These activities and initiatives are the result of a comprehensive participatory work that actively involves diverse stakeholders.
Our key stakeholders are:
Governments represented in the Board of Governors
Civil society entities through the National Networks
Personalities of civil society, part of the Advisory Council
Main donors and contributors
This collaborative approach helps us enhance our work, strengthens civil society Networks’ capacity, and deepens our contribution to the Euro-Mediterranean framework ensuring that our efforts are inclusive and impactful. This also serves as a reminder that real impact cannot be achieved by one group or entity alone. It rather requires the combined contributions of civil society, institutions, and governments, working together towards shared goals.
Structure
Board of Governors (BoGs)
The BoGs play a central role in guiding the Foundation’s activities and strategies. It consists of 42 high-level representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Euro-Mediterranean countries. This governing body adopts the general guidelines for the work of the ALF and its operational priorities, the ALF Secretariat structure and its budget, proposed by the Executive Director. What the BoGs provide goes beyond just financial and institutional support. Their dedication to establish together the ALF and the Euro-Mediterranean vision that promotes mutual understanding among all countries despite their differences is a powerful commitment to connection and cooperation, aimed at creating real impact at grass root level and regionally. This approach highlights a remarkable shift: governments at the service of civil society, not the other way around.
Civil Society National Networks
Our Heads of Networks (HoNs) serve as the primary link between grassroots entities and the broader ALF framework. Every HoN implements activities that align with the Foundation’s mission and goals, promoting cooperations between members and facilitating knowledge exchange.
In addition to their coordination efforts, Heads actively seek out key opportunities for collaboration within their own Network and other ALF Networks. HoNs are also responsible for advocating for their members ensuring that the grassroots voices are heard at the institutional levels.
Advisory Council
The AC is a highly influential body made up of prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds in the field of intercultural dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region. These personalities offer valuable insights and recommendations to guide the Foundation’s action and advise the ALF President, Executive Director and member governments at a strategic level.
President of the Foundation
President of the Foundation
The President of ALF is the driving force behind our mission, providing strategic leadership and representing the Foundation at the highest level. The President works closely with the Board of Governors, the Advisory Council, and the Executive Director contributing to achieve the objectives of the ALF to promote dialogue between cultures through intellectual, cultural, and civil society exchanges.
The ALF Secretariat
The ALF Secretariat is the implementing body of the Foundation responsible for translating its vision into action. It is led by the Executive Director. It oversees the execution of the Foundation’s Programmes and initiatives, ensuring they align with our mission and goals. The ALF Secretariat plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts, managing daily operations, and maintaining the ALF’s role as a powerful bridge that inspires knowledge, drives action, and unites cultures locally and at the Euro-Med scale, all achieved through meaningful dialogue and connecting governments and civil society.
HRH Princess Rym Ali
President
Since 2021, Her Royal Highness Princess Rym Ali has been serving as President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, reinforcing its position as a powerful bridge between governments, civil society, cultural leaders and all those invested in the future of the Euro-Mediterranean region, driving impactful collaborations. Princess Rym holds a degree from Columbia University’s School of Journalism and a master’s degree in English literature from Sorbonne University Before her current role as President of the Foundation, Princess Rym made notable contributions to the media industry. She founded the Jordan Media Institute (JMI) in 2007, establishing it as an Arab center of excellence for journalism education. Additionally, she has been a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Royal Film Commission of Jordan since 2005 and has served as President of the Amman International Film Festival “AIFF” Awal Film since 2017.
Princess Rym’s diverse background and global perspective shaped her commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue. She recognizes the transformative power of art and culture in bridging divides and strengthening societies. Her visionary leadership at the ALF reflects her dedication to promoting peace, understanding, and respect among diverse communities in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Josep Ferré
Executive Director
Josep Ferré has been the Executive Director of the ALF since 2021. With over 25 years of experience in designing and managing policy-oriented research and civil society projects, he possesses extensive experience in official development cooperation and network management. His diverse background has equipped him to tackle the complex challenges of fostering dialogue and understanding in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Throughout his career, Josep has coordinated numerous publications focusing on key issues within the Euro-Mediterranean agenda, highlighting his commitment to promoting informed discourse.
He was the Director General (2017-2021) and the Managing Director (2007-2021) of the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed). He was the Director General of the Spanish branch of the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) (2004-2006) and the Executive Secretary of the AECID’s Azahar Programme (2001-2004), promoting sustainable development in the Mediterranean. He served as Head of Mission for the Spanish International Cooperation in Mauritania (1999-2001) and Cooperation Programmes Manager at the Embassy of Spain in Morocco (1995-1999). Josep Ferré is an agronomical engineer.
MEET OUR TEAM
The ALF Secretariat consists of highly dedicated professionals from across the Euro-Mediterranean united by a common goal: promoting dialogue and cooperation in the region. Our diverse backgrounds and expertise enrich our work, reflecting the values we believe in and the inclusive societies we aspire to promote in our region.
Public Policies
Alessandro Lamonica
Acting Manager & Liaison Officer in Brussels
Racha Omeyri
Programme Specialist
Nourane Chalaby
Public Policies Specialist
Wissal Chafik
Public Policies Associate - Young Professionals Programme
Giulio Vendone
Public Policies Associate
Civil Society
Elisabetta Necco
Civil Society Manager
Mohammed Hafez
Senior Country Desk Officer
Aline Aznavourian
Country Desk Officer
Fatma Kotkat
Senior Country Desk Officer
May Helmy
Country Desk Officer & Egyptian Intercultural Programme Coordinator
Nagla Abed
Programme Advisor & Mobility Coordinator
Amany Sahoury
Project Leader - Challenging Inequalities Programme
Mina Fangari
Project Officer - Young Civil Society Leadership Programme
Rania Tarhouni
Civil Society Unit Support - HandsOn Programme
Michael Gendy
Civil Society Associate - Young Professionals Programme
Corporate Communication
Menna Ashraf
Corporate Communication Manager
Sarah Arafat
Communication Specialist
Thouraya Bouchamia
Communication & Outreach Specialist
Mariam Elgiziry
Communication Specialist
Ayoub Kaouane
Communication Specialist
Sandra Assaad
ALForum Communication Coordinator
Lucas Bozzo
Communication Associate - Young Professionals Programme
Quality Control
Wafaa Abusita
Quality Control Manager
Mai Shaheen
Quality Control Associate - Young Professionals Programme
Mediterranean Youth in Action Programme
Kamal Mohammad
MYA Programme Leader
Emmanuel Cohen-Hadria
MYA Institutional & Research Expert
Fotini Zarogianni
MYA Research Officer
Institutional Coordination
Hoda Omera
Head of Protocol, Coordinator of Statutory Meetings, and Administrative Assistant to the President
Ghida Hamed
Fundraising and Institutional Partnerships Associate - Young Professionals Programme
Administration
Nihal El-Nahas
Head of Administration, Contracts & Grants
Marian Nabil
Administration Coordinator
Abadir Guirguis
Procurement and Logistics Officer
Mai Ramadan
Administration Unit Support
Finance
Christine Nabil
Head of Corporate Accounting & Finance
Amr Ramadan
Corporate Finance Officer
Akram Hamza
Corporate Accounting Officer
Antwan Bekhit
Accounting & Finance Assistant
Support Team
Adel Aboukhadra
Driver
Ahmed Ramadan
Office Clerk
Ayman Elemary
Office Clerk
