Religious intolerance and the role of interfaith dialogue were among the topics discussed at the 37th meeting of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe's Executive Committee in Strasbourg on 22 October 2026. The Committee held an exchange of views with Irene Kitsou-Milonas, Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and all forms of religious intolerance.

The Special Representative underscored the importance of building bridges and strengthening efforts to live together in a period marked by division and fragmentation. She identified education and youth field, including addressing the influence of artificial intelligence on religious tolerance, as priorities requiring sustained attention. The exchange highlighted the North-South Centre’s role in advancing intercultural dialogue and co-operation across regions.

The discussion brought together representatives of member states, civil society, local and regional authorities, parliamentary institutions and the European Union. President Ambassador Andreu Jordi, Permanent Representative of Andorra to the Council of Europe, highlighted the Centre’s role in connecting the North and South and promoting Council of Europe values. Vice-President Soumia Bouhamidi, Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco, underlined its role as a platform for exchange and sharing good practices.

Rocio Cervera, Executive Director ad interim, presented an update on the Centre’s activities and upcoming milestones. She also reported on the independent evaluation of the iLEGEND III joint programme, which confirmed high levels of participant satisfaction and the contribution of the Centre’s expertise and Council of Europe standards to the work of youth stakeholders and civil society.

The Committee endorsed the Bureau’s proposal to renew the mandates of EuroMed Rights and the Pan African Youth Union, ensuring their continued contribution to the Centre’s work. With the current mid-term strategy ending in May 2027, work will begin on a new strategy reflecting the expectations of member states and partners and responding to the current geopolitical context.

For more information about the Centre’s statutory bodies and the composition of the Bureau and Executive Committee, visit the webpage.