The Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures (ALF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) announced today the launch of their Prize for Cultural Diversity which aims at encouraging journalism that effectively contributes to the dialogue between cultures and people by spreading awareness of diversity and tolerance in journalism.
“We are living in a climate of resentment between cultural and religious groups where even rumours can kill” said Traugott Schoefthaler, ALF Executive Director. “There will be no mutual respect without more mutual knowledge”.
The competition is open for young journalists between the ages of 25 and 35 and the first deadline for submitting articles is 1 June 2006. Every year, up to 4 young journalists, two from the EU countries and two from the Mediterranean partner countries will be awarded. The award ceremony will be held on 10 September in Alexandria, Egypt, the headquarters of the Anna Lindh Foundation.
10 September is the day the late Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh was assassinated. Her name was given to the Euro-Med Foundation in recognition of her advocacy for equal partnership and respect between North and South.
“The award is a timely response to the tragic events stemming out of a climate of intolerance in the Mediterranean area” says Aidan White, IFJ Secretary General. “It also represents a real opportunity for young journalists to demonstrate their ability to exchange multicultural opinions and raise the level of mutual understanding”.
A jury, consisting of renowned journalists and intellectuals will be nominated during spring 2006. Detailed information and an application form is available on the website of the Anna Lindh Foundation www.euromedalex.org and on the IFJ website www.ifj.org.
Click here to consult the prize website.
For further information, please contact Bertrand Ginet (+32 2 235 22 06).
The Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures is the first common institution established in the South by the 35 member countries of the Euro-Mediterranean. With its 35 national networks, the ALF promotes learning about cultural diversity.