“In today’s world, military power cannot, alone, bring stability. If you want to create strong and secure states, you must create tolerant societies, where the rule of law reigns supreme, where human rights are safeguarded, and where power and corruption are kept in check”, said Gabriella Battaini Dragoni, opening the 5th Euro-Arab Youth Forum Learning and Practicing Citizenship at the European Youth Centre.

The Forum is a joint initiative of the Department of Youth and Sport of the League of Arab States and the Youth Department of the Council of Europe in partnership with the European Youth Forum. It welcomes 70 European and Arab youth leaders and youth workers engaged in learning and practicing citizenship in their communities. It aims to foster mutual co-operation and dialogue among young Arab and European leaders, representatives of associations and decision-makers, on the meaning and practices of citizenship by young people and the challenges they face on their path to autonomy.

• Speech