In a region marked by cultural richness, but also deep-rooted political, economic, and environmental challenges, the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development (MYF) is proving that youth-led change is not just possible, it’s essential. Founded in Cairo, Egypt, MYF has rapidly emerged as a key player in connecting young people and women across the Euro-Mediterranean region through a unique blend of civic engagement, climate advocacy, and cross-cultural collaboration. With a bold mission and remarkable early milestones, MYF is not only shaping the next generation of regional leaders; it’s redefining what youth leadership looks like in the Global South.”
The idea of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation came after we, the founders, have participated in many international events in which thousands and hundreds of youths around the world took part, whether inside or outside Egypt. However, at the end of each event, we would stay thinking about how we could benefit from the international relations network and keep in touch with each other continuously.
Out of this thinking, we got the idea of constructing a cooperative umbrella through which we can work on mutual development projects to create a positive impact on our societies. Moreover, we can exchange ideas and opinions to be in contact with each other constantly.
After the consultation with the Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports in Egypt, we decided that this umbrella will be a Mediterranean-oriented foundation and will mainly target the Mediterranean and the neighbouring countries.
Furthermore, we have chosen the name of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development based on the scope of its work in the Mediterranean countries, which focuses on cultural exchange, youth empowerment and building youth-friendly societies. Finally, MYF was established on October 30, 2018, and it was legally recognized on January 27, 2019. The Mediterranean Youth Foundation provides a model of youth civil society led by youth under the age of 29.
First-place winner of the Dr. Ali El-Samman Award for Peace
Establishment of Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development - MYF
Obtaining the quality label from the European Union as a sending and hosting foundation to send/host volunteers to and from European Union countries.
Obtaining the King Hamad Award (King of the Kingdom of Bahrain) for youth empowerment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals - Youth Empowerment Category.
Obtaining the United Nations and BMW Prize for Innovation and Intercultural Dialogue (Intercultural Innovation Hub - IIH), with the support of Accenture.
Accreditation as a permanent observer member, to be the second Egyptian foundation in history to obtain permanent membership in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC
Granted special advisory membership in the United Nations Economic and Social Council + Granted the status of public benefit from the Egyptian government (enjoying the privileges of public authority).
Accredited by the United Nations Environment Program.
Obtained the accreditation from both the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Elected Co-President
Secretary General
Elected Co-President
Treasurer
Member of the Board of Trustees
Member of the Board of Trustees
Member of the Board of Trustees
Promoting a culture of intercultural dialogue and cultural pluralism among the Mediterranean and neighboring countries.
Building youth capacities to keep pace with development and face global challenges (technological, environmental and climatic).
Contributing to achieving and promoting the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, tenth, thirteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth SDGs.
Enhancing youth participation to achieve peace, security and human fraternity.
Involving youth who have less access to opportunities in social life.
Empowering young women in societies with less access to opportunities and helping them navigate beyond borders.
Building partnerships to exchange and apply best regional and international practices in the field of youth, women and environment.
Our message triangle focuses on:
True generosity is measured not by how much we give, but by the love we put into giving. Our mission is to create opportunities, empower youth and women, and develop capacities to face global challenges. At the same time, we aim to build a positive image of the Mediterranean through collaboration and sustainable partnerships.
MYF aspires to become the leading green and sustainable international youth organization, fostering representation and empowerment of young people across the Mediterranean region and its neighboring countries. We envision a future where young people of all genders engage in meaningful intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, contributing to positive change and development.
The Mediterranean Youth Foundation fosters cultural and youth cooperation between countries overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and its neighboring regions. Through the implementation of impactful cultural exchange programs, the MYF strives to empower young people, facilitate communication and promote peacebuilding within the region.
At the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development, we believe in the importance and necessity of networking. We welcome partnerships with stakeholders whose scope of work aligns with youth development. We encourage collaboration with those willing to provide .We also welcome participation in the preparation, planning, and organization of any initiatives/projects that align with our mission and scope of work.
At MYF, we value strong and meaningful partnerships.
We collaborate with organizations, institutions, and initiatives to create sustainable impact and empower youth and women across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
We collaborate with organizations, institutions, and initiatives to create sustainable impact and empower youth and women across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Permanent Observer in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Consultive Status Member in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Member in the Anna Lindh Foundation Network (ALF)
Member in the World Health Organization – Regional Youth Council (WHO – EMRO)
Member in the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD)
Member in the Mediterranean Youth Network – Jeunessesmed
Member in the NGO Committee Status of Women
Member in the YouthproAktiv Network
Observer Status in United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Member in the EU Youth Dialogue Network
Consultive Status with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Member of Climate Action Network CAN-Arab World
Accredited Partner of the United Nations Environment Programme / Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP)
Observer Status in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Member in the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NY)
Our structure brings together strategic leadership, operational management, expert advisory support, and emerging young talents, working collectively to advance MYF’s mission and maximize its impact across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Providing strategic direction and governance for MYF. Ensuring alignment with the foundation’s mission, values, and long-term vision.
Leading MYF’s day-to-day operations and implementation. Overseeing programs, partnerships, and organizational performance.
Supporting MYF’s work across different departments. Contributing fresh ideas while gaining practical experience.
Providing expert guidance and diverse perspectives. Supporting decision-making and strengthening MYF’s impact.
Mediterranean Women Ship
Our Theory of Change explains how our initiatives generate long-term impact by empowering youth, fostering cultural dialogue, and strengthening community connections across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Through collaboration, shared values, and inclusive participation, we aim to build resilient societies and meaningful cross-border engagement.
The Mediterranean Sea serves as a bridge for dialogue between the East and the West, acting as a convergence point for its three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its coastal regions have witnessed the radiance of knowledge and the unwavering pursuit of rights and freedom throughout history, hosting the ancient Greek civilization, being the cradle of the earliest civilizations, notably in ancient Egypt, as well as leaving a profound impact on the human spirit, as exemplified by the rich heritage of Al-Andalus.
Inspired by this unique human blend, we embrace the Mediterranean not only as a geographical location but also as a symbol of unity. United in purpose, we strive to foster unity of thought and collectively address the challenges that lie ahead.
The idea of Mediterranean Youth Foundation came after we, the founders, have participated in many international events in which thousands and hundreds of youths around the world took part, whether inside or outside Egypt. However, at the end of each event, we would stay thinking about how we could benefit from the international relations network and keep in touch with each other continuously.
Out of this thinking, we got the idea of constructing a cooperative umbrella through which we can work on mutual development projects to create a positive impact on our societies. Moreover, we can exchange ideas and opinions to be in contact with each other constantly.
After the consultation with the Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports in Egypt (Dr. Youssef Wardani), we decided that this umbrella will be a Mediterranean-oriented foundation and will mainly target the Mediterranean and the neighboring countries.
Furthermore, we have chosen the name of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development based on the scope of its work in the Mediterranean countries, which focuses on cultural exchange, youth empowerment and building youth-friendly societies. Finally, MYF was established on October 30, 2018, and it was legally recognized on January 27, 2019. The Mediterranean Youth Foundation provides a model of youth civil society led by youth under the age of 29.
– Contributing to the achievement and promotion of Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 6, 8, 10,13, 16, and 17
– Empowering young women in communities with less access to opportunities
– Building partnerships to exchange and apply regional and international best practices in the field of youth, women and environmental.
