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Research
Research is part of every activity we run. Members produce articles, studies, position papers and policy analyses, which we share with interested international stakeholders and with our members.
About AOD
An independent organisation in Vienna that works through cultural diplomacy to build mutual understanding, peaceful dialogue and cooperation between young people across cultures.
Who we are
Four organisations in one.
AOD is the first organisation in the Middle East and North Africa to bring these four roles together under one roof.
A network of experts, activists and advisers
Practitioners and researchers who share their expertise across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
An academic training initiative
Trainings, fellowships and simulations that teach diplomacy and international relations by doing.
A civil-society association
A membership association that brings people together around dialogue, human rights and peace.
A think tank and research centre
Studies, position papers and policy analyses on regional and international affairs.
Our vision
Future generations with advanced diplomatic skills — equipped with knowledge, critical thinking and analysis, an active voice in politics and peacemaking, and a precise understanding of international politics and development.
Our mission
To build and spread a culture of diplomacy and peace, and a proactive approach to conflict, through innovative, interdisciplinary education, intercultural dialogue, research and respect for human rights, human dignity and the rule of law.
Our frame of reference
We support the international recommendations on young people’s role in peace and security.
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UN Security Council · 2015
The first resolution on Youth, Peace and Security, recognising the positive role of young people in peace.
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UN Security Council · 2018
Calls for young people’s inclusion in negotiating and implementing peace agreements.
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UN Security Council · 2020
Calls for the Youth, Peace and Security agenda to be put into practice across the UN system.
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UN Secretary-General
The Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, and wider efforts towards a culture of peace.
The AOD approach
Our strategic framework
Cultural diplomacy is a dynamic, multi-dimensional way of promoting peace, stability and development. We put it into practice through four strands of work that run through every programme.
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International advisory
Our staff and members know the Euro-Mediterranean social, cultural and political landscape well — from analysing shifts in regional and international power to proposing constructive solutions to conflicts, youth empowerment and peacebuilding.
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Practical training
Our programmes are built on practical exercises, real evidence and current research in diplomacy, peacebuilding, conflict analysis and transformation, intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, human-rights work and project management.
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Public awareness
With a wide audience and partners in civil society, media and politics, we support campaigns that raise awareness of human rights and spread cultural diplomacy.
Our story
From Sousse to Vienna
We started with Model United Nations conferences in Tunisia. Today we bring youth workers from Europe and the Arab world to Vienna, home of one of the four UN headquarters.
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Jul 2017
MENAMUN I
Sousse, Tunisia · 9–13 July · 180 delegates
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Jul 2018
MENAMUN II
Sousse, Tunisia · 21–25 July · 200 delegates
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Jul 2019
North Africa Capacity Building Forum
Tunisia · 17–20 July
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Jul 2019
MENAMUN III
Hammamet, Tunisia · 21–25 July · 225 delegates
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Nov 2024
Participatory and Emancipatory Approaches for Youth Work
Vienna · 24 November–1 December · 30 youth workers from six countries
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Nov 2025
Peacebuilding Strategies for Civic Participation and Community Initiatives
Vienna · 22–30 November · 30 youth workers from eight countries
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Nov 2026
Mediation and Advocacy Competences and Tactics for Sustainable Futures
Vienna · 10–17 November · 32 youth workers from eight countries
People
Leadership & team
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Mohamed Sakr
Founder & President
Project manager, trainer, and expert in social innovation, entrepreneurship, digitalisation, and innovative learning methods.
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Partners & funders
Co-funded by
the European Union
the European Union
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