“A Sea of Words” contest is organised by IEMed in collaboration with the Anna Lindh Foundation and its national networks. The competition is open to young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from the EuroMed area and encourages intercultural dialogue and the exchange of knowledge through the stories about experiences and concerns expressed by young people. Since 2008, each contest has revolved around a different theme, such as gender equality, sustainable development, democracy and citizenship, radicalisation and climate change. 

Through short stories, young people have the opportunity to freely express ideas, perceptions, concerns and hopes. In this way, different local and international traditions are reflected. During the 13th year of the contest, around 3,000 works were received, with a good balance between the North (47%) and South (53%) of the Mediterranean. An international jury selects between 10 and 20 texts every year and offers the finalists the opportunity to take part in an intercultural experience in Barcelona. This exchange includes literary workshops, cultural visits and the awards ceremony, featuring prominent figures from different fields. 

Mobility means exchanging, getting closer and knowing each other.

In the 2021 edition “Youth and Mobility: Towards a Euro-Mediterranean Citizenship” the vast majority of the texts had a common base: learning through mobility. It is indeed a learning experience because of the new contexts mobility brings us, on a bus through a city, a motorboat on a sea strait, or in an airport. It takes us to new realities from which we can learn. It is through mobility that we discover new places, new people, and can usually leave difficult life experiences behind.