LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - October 9, 2025

Lebanon has taken the lead in YOUTHMED, a European Union-funded project launched on October 1-2 in Seville, Spain to promote youth empowerment and cross-border cooperation.

The initiative, part of the "Interreg NEXT MED Programme", brings together partners from Lebanon, Spain, Greece, and Egypt.

It focuses on youth inclusion, civic innovation, and building regional collaboration among youth organizations.

Lebanon’s Planning and Development Agency (PDA) is spearheading the consortium, along with the National League for Culture and Development (NLCD).

Together, they will lead key activities in Lebanon, including digital literacy training, leadership development, and civic engagement programs.

During the Seville launch event, organizers introduced "SmartMaria", an AI-powered platform designed to enhance collaboration and digital inclusion among young people.

Over its 30-month duration, YOUTHMED aims to train and mentor 510 youth and strengthen 25 youth organizations across the Mediterranean.

The goal is to ensure active youth participation in regional initiatives and foster more inclusive, resilient communities.

Lebanese youth organizations are expected to benefit significantly from the project through access to a cross-border network, joint projects, and knowledge sharing across the region.