Council of Europe signs agreement with the MBI Al Jaber Foundation
MBI Al Jaber and Secretary General Jagland of the Council of Europe. |
In line with the recommendations and policy guidelines outlined in the "White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue ", the partnership between the Council of Europe and the MBI Al Jaber Foundation shall focus on strengthening Euro-Arab co-operation, and promoting education for human rights, rule of law, democratic citizenship and intercultural understanding. The agreement covers activities in the fields of research, support to in-service training and curriculum development, networking and discussion forums.
The co-operation, which has been ratified by all 47 member states of the Council of Europe, is managed by the Directorate General of Education, Culture and Heritage, Youth and Sport in synergy with the MBI Al Jaber Foundation. The agreement commenced with a budget allocated by MBI of 1 million EURO. The Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity of the Council of Europe (known as the "North-South Centre") will be an implementing partner.
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland thanked MBI Al Jaber for his contribution to intercultural dialogue over the last 15 years and said: "Intercultural understanding is one of the main challenges of our societies: the Council of Europe has acted as a bridge in the last 60 years between different cultures in our Continent. I welcome this agreement with the MBI Al Jaber Foundation. It will enhance co-operation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, building on MBI’s extensive experience, know-how and contacts in the area."
