Lisbon, Portugal, 18 October 2023 - The 29th Lisbon Forum, a two-day annual event organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe and co-funded by the European Union, was held yesterday at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon. The theme of this year’s forum was “Human Rights, Environment, and Economic Crimes: Youth at the Forefront”.

The forum emphasised the important role young people play as catalysts for change in addressing climate governance.

“Their relentless drive and motivation to address and combat climate change is a great asset that we must recognise, embrace and utilise for building a climate resilient – and ultimately liveable future,” said Ambassador Francesca Camilleri-Vettiger, Chair of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.

Discussions addressed the opportunities and challenges for youth engagement in climate governance; enhancing the understanding of the linkages between economic and environmental crimes; and the necessity for coordinated global action to combat corruption and economic crimes that worsen environmental degradation, such as illegal logging.

The Lisbon Forum is a platform to foster inclusive, intercultural dialogue and share experiences and best practices between Europe and other continents, with a particular focus on the Middle East, Africa and southern Mediterranean countries. Participants include senior representatives from international organisations, national governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities, and civil society organisations.

The longtime collaboration between the Ismaili Imamat, AKDN and the North-South Centre is founded on shared values. “Both the Ismaili Imamat and the North-South Centre have their Seats in Lisbon, a city which has an environment that enables one to see beyond borders and foster dialogue,” said Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal.

For more information please see: Lisbon Forum 2023