18th-20th June 2025
Tirana, Albania
Overview
ALForum: Where your Voice and Knowledge Matter Most
Over 3 energising days, more than 800 individuals from across the Euro-Med region came together in the vibrant city of Tirana, Albania, in one space of collaboration, creativity, and connection to “celebrate” the diversity and richness of our region. Of these, 400 didn’t just attend; their voices actively contributed to changing the realities that should be changed. From inspiring plenaries and engaging parallel sessions to vibrant cultural performances and dynamic networking activities.
The ALForum 2025 was More Than A Forum.
ALFORUM IMPACT IN NUMBERS
3
Days
800
participants
+400
Speakers
105
Sessions
9
Plenaries
90
Creative
Artists
13
Artistic Performances
12
Networking
Activities
A warm and heartfelt thank you to our ALF Civil Society National Networks and the Albanian Media Institute without whom the ALForum wouldn’t have been possible, the Municipality of Tirana for their warm welcome, and the Albanian Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs for their precious contributions. Deep gratitude also goes to our partners for their support and collaboration in making the ALForum 2025 a success.
Most importantly, to every single participant whose voice, ideas and energy contributed to making the ALForum a real space for dialogue.
The ALForum 2025 was structured around three core dimensions inspired by our slogan:
Inspiring Knowledge, Driving Action
105 Sessions
With 10 focus areas peacebuilding, youth engagement, social innovation, promoting tolerance, misinformation, ethics of AI, gender stereotypes, climate change, creative industries, cultural relations , the ALForum parallel sessions tackled the most urgent and inspiring priorities shaping the Euro-Mediterranean region. These sessions were led by a diverse range of voices from civil society and academic institutions to young leaders, media outlets, influential figures, policymakers, and representatives of governments and international organisations. Whatever your area of expertise, what you hope to learn, or the insights you wish to share, you found it reflected here!
“ The Forum sessions were highly relevant to my interests and field… they tackled structural issues with honesty and strategic depth.”
Uniting cultures
13 Artistic Performances
We felt the Euro-Mediterranean region come alive through music, movement, food, and art. Every evening in Skanderbeg Square, we created a special space to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and shared spirit of the region, and connect with the people of the hosting country too.
peacebuilding
youth engagementyouth engagement
social innovation
promoting tolerance
misinformation
ethics of AI
gender stereotypes
climate change
creative industries
cultural relations
Above The Skin
Art Without Barriers
Bel Afrah: An authentic Lebanese Wedding Celebration
Bulgaria’s Folklore
Clown Ventures: A Bus Full of Smiles
Cooking Together for Change
DrumTik Circle
Flamenco, Lament of The Heart
Mizmar of Egypt
Our Cultural Passports
The Albanian Story
The Euro Med DJ
The Magical Parade
Tunisian Rboukh: Dance for Peace and Resistance
A Journey Through Moroccan Culture
“ The artistic and cultural performances were a true highlight… a reminder that culture isn’t a supplement to dialogue — it is dialogue. ”
12 Networking Activities
We take networking seriously. Bringing together 800 participants from 43 countries and diverse backgrounds is a responsibility we take to heart. This is why our networking activities are designed to go far beyond just saying hello.
We have planned 12 different networking activities that took place during the coffee breaks of the parallel sessions. All designed to turn your Forum experience into something richer and more meaningful, whether you were looking to explore new opportunities, exchange ideas, get inspired, or simply meet new people, we had you covered.
Networking Activities took place daily at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania and Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center and the International Hotel of Tirana
“ An exceptionally well-organized forum with a vibrant atmosphere. The cultural diversity and opportunities for meaningful exchange made it unforgettable. ”
All Day Activities
1. Mr. Bin's Stereotypes and Judgements Recycling Drop-off
Implemented by: Gentian Minga, Social Issues Facilitator, Albania
Location: The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania and Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center
This interactive activity invites participants to engage in honest self-reflection, open dialogue, and collective unlearning as a means of strengthening inclusion and mutual understanding across the region. Find Mr. Bin around the ALForum premises, take a recycled item and reflect on what Euro-Mediterranean prejudices, stereotypes, and misconceptions you hold and why. Practice vulnerability and share your own biases with other participants before disposing of your item.
2. Spin the Wheel of Action
Implemented by: Milica Bilanović and David Altarac, Artistic Duo, Bosnia
Location: The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania
This interactive public art installation invites participants to spin a large “Wheel of Action” incorporating the 10 thematic priorities of ALForum. Each spin reveals a short prompt encouraging meaningful social interaction, intercultural dialogue, or micro-activism. The artists will act as facilitators, welcoming visitors, guiding them through the meaning of each prompt, and inviting them to share insights, stories, or spontaneous collaborations with others.
3. A Collaborative Journey of Colours
Implemented by: Haifa Tekouti, Visual Artist, Tunisia
Location: The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania
An interactive mural connecting artist and audience by bringing Euro-Mediterranean cultures together. Participants are given blind cards inviting them to pick up a brush and contribute their own strokes, symbols, or stories to the collective canvas, expressing what Euro-Mediterranean identity means to them. As elements are added, the mural becomes a living tapestry of shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and cultural connections.
4. Live Drawing and Photographing the Faces of the Euro-Mediterranean
Implemented by: Mostafa Abdel Aty and Mohamed Elshenawy, Visual Artist Duo, Egypt
Location: The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania and Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center
This interactive activity invites ALForum attendees to become part of a living portrait series that celebrates the diversity of the Euro-Mediterranean region. A visual artist and a photographer will collaborate to create live drawings and photographic portraits of participants throughout the Forum.
5. Make the ALForum Tote Bag Yours!
Implemented by: Besma Lebbihi and Moussa Douar, Visual Artist Duo, Algeria
Location: The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania and Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center
A vibrant creative workshop centred around the reproduction of original Moorish-inspired designs on tote bags. Combining their unique artistic visions—Besma’s intuitive, socially engaged illustrations and Morris’s dynamic Pop Art infused with Mediterranean heritage. Participants will be invited to explore the cultural roots and symbolism behind the patterns, encouraging meaningful dialogue on identity, tradition, and cross-cultural influence. Each attendee will leave with a personalised artwork, embodying both individual expression and shared heritage.
Scheduled Networking
1. Spot the Similar
Implemented by: Reka Si Organisation
Led by four community artists from Egypt, Jordan, Italy, and Spain, this dynamic 30-minute activity uses meaningful objects to explore shared cultural and personal themes. Through storytelling and creative interaction, participants place objects in relation to others, forming a ‘map of relational connections. Blending performance, play, and intercultural dialogue, it’s an energising ice breaker that inspires connection and reflection.
2. Moving Triangles: Dialogues in Motion
Implemented by: Mostafa Ahmed, Facilitator and Arts Manager, Egypt
Brief: A networking activity harnessing music, movement, and short reflective prompts to foster connection and intercultural understanding. Participants dance or move freely, then form groups of three when the music stops to briefly introduce themselves and respond to a culturally themed question before the music resumes.
3. Past Meets Present: Stories that Shape Us
Implemented by: Keszey Judit, Researcher and Creative Editor, Hungary
Brief: Inspired by the past, this storytelling activity features interactive elements such as a memory wall, common points mapping, and conversation spaces. The insights generated will be brought together in a collective mental map—illustrating how, despite our diverse origins, languages, and identities, we are deeply connected by common threads.
4. Two Languages, One Story
Implemented by: Humart Performance Group, Cyprus
Brief: Inspired by the bilingual reality of the island of Cyprus, Humart invites participants to explore communication as a means of connection. Following insights from facilitators, attendees will engage in ice-breaking activities where pairs introduce themselves, each speaking in their own language. Body language and puppets, such as the iconic Karagiozi figure used in Greek and Turkish theatre, will be used as tools.
5. Portraits of the Mediterranean
Implemented by: La Cerise Sur Le Gâteau Association, France
This cross-disciplinary activity tangibly expresses uniting cultures, promoting tolerance and living together through art, photography, and literature. Engage with postcards celebrating powerful Mediterranean visuals and the poetic musings of Mediterranean authors writing about peace. Share reflections and step into the photobooth for a personal portrait to include in a Mediterranean mosaic, capturing the diversity, unity, and hopes of the region.
6. Mosaic of Shared Stories
Implemented by: STPLN Organisation, Sweden
Brief: A heartwarming creative activity where conversations spark connection and art celebrate community! Using recycled materials gathered in Tirana, you’ll exchange collage pieces through thoughtful prompts like “What brings you joy?” or “Who inspires you?” to create a unique mosaic that tells the story of your shared experience. As you meet new people, you’ll become part of each other’s artwork—forming a colourful symbol of unity and diversity to take home.
7. Culture Match – Swipe & Connect
Implemented by: Wasla Arts Organisation, Egypt
Brief: A fast-paced networking game that uses gamified speed-matching, participants explore shared artistic interests, funding needs, and collaboration ideas. Each receives a Wasla-style profile card with prompts, rotating every three minutes to connect and choose Swipe Right – for future collaboration or Swipe Left – and move on. Connections and project ideas are then posted on the Wall of Opportunities.
Hear from ALForum Participants
Hear all about the ALForum 2025 experience straight from the participants.
Main Partners
Funding Partner
Institutional Partners
Media Partners
