Since 19 May 2026, Andorra has been holding the Presidency of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe. This responsibility was adopted by consensus by the members of the Executive Committee during their meeting held ahead of the 31st North-South Prize Ceremony of the Council of Europe.

Following the election, Ambassador Andreu Jordi shared his vision of this new role, describing Andorra as a land of peace that has gone seven centuries without conflict, and one that favours mediation and intercultural dialogue as methods for resolving disputes. According to him, this tradition is part of a “constructive ally” approach aimed at fair and equitable solutions based on universal values, and inspired, like the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, by a dynamic of exchange and action on shared challenges.

He stressed that the current Strategy of the North-South Centre, aimed at strengthening the external dimension of the Council of Europe through the promotion of Council of Europe standards and conventions, is an essential operational tool to translate political orientations into concrete action on the ground. It also plays a mediating role between the North and the South. This dynamic, he said, helps reaffirm shared values and overcome historical divides inherited from the past. He also referred to the New Democratic Pact for Europe as a tool for mutual understanding and cultural diversity, in which the North-South Centre has a role to play.

In this context, the Ambassador underlined the role of the Centre as a space that amplifies Andorra’s action, particularly in the fields of education and youth, while creating strategic complementarity with Andorra’s presidency of the GR-C – Education, Culture, Sport, Youth and Environment. He recalled that education is a priority of the Council of Europe, particularly in a context marked by disinformation that undermines trust in institutions. He thus highlighted the need to view education as a tool for empowerment, to uphold democratic and universal values, notably by rethinking the role of non-formal education and education for sustainable development.

Finally, in an international context marked by growing uncertainty and increased fragmentation, the Ambassador stressed the fundamental role of dialogue as a tool for convergence and mutual understanding. He also recalled the need to promote a genuine culture of compromise, in which negotiation is based on mutual concessions. This approach, he said, is an essential condition for social peace and sustainable cooperation that reconciles differences while strengthening what unites societies.

 More information on the Stautory bodies of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.