Today, the world, including Morocco, faces a growing challenge: the spread of online hate speech and its negative impact on social cohesion and democratic values. As the use of social media continues to expand, misinformation and negative narratives are spreading more easily, fuelling misunderstandings and divisions within society. Young people are at the heart of this landscape. They are among the most active users of the digital world, but they are also particularly vulnerable to its influence, whether through information manipulation or exposure to extremist ideas. With the emergence of artificial intelligence technologies, the situation has become even more complex. It is now possible to generate digital content that appears authentic but is, in fact, fabricated and misleading, opening the door to new waves of misinformation and hate speech.
Despite these challenges, artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities when used responsibly. It can help identify harmful content, promote critical thinking, and raise digital awareness among young people. By learning how to use AI tools consciously and ethically, young people can transform technology from a source of division into a means of communication, mutual understanding, and active citizenship. It is in this context that Euromed EVE Morocco joined the international initiative “Generative AI – Youth Sector Challenges and Impact,” which aims to transform artificial intelligence into a tool for building a more aware and responsible digital culture.
This pioneering initiative seeks to bring together youth work, modern technology, and democratic participation by equipping young people and youth workers with the digital and ethical skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world. It encourages young people to think critically, identify misleading narratives, and promote a culture of respect and diversity online. The project's ambition therefore goes beyond combating hate speech: it also seeks to empower a generation that believes in dialogue and openness and possesses the tools needed for informed digital citizenship. The project also responds to changes in the labour market by strengthening the skills required to tackle media manipulation and create positive content that promotes coexistence and peace.
This vision was officially launched in Brussels, Belgium, during the project's kick-off meeting, held from 16 to 19 February 2025. The meeting brought together representatives from six partner organisations across the Euro-Mediterranean region. The atmosphere was marked by enthusiasm and collaboration as the participating teams worked together to establish a clear roadmap for the “Generative AI – Youth Sector Challenges and Impact” project under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building programme. Over two days of fruitful discussions, the partners explored effective ways to address digital misinformation and hate speech while promoting the ethical and responsible use of technology among young people.
A representative of the Erasmus+ programme also participated in the meeting, providing valuable guidance on the implementation of activities and emphasising the importance of ensuring that all technological innovations are guided by human and ethical values. Through this constructive collaboration, a schedule of training activities and youth mobilities in Morocco, France, Jordan, and Italy was developed, alongside a clear communication plan to ensure that the project reaches as many young people as possible. The partners also agreed to use digital tools and interactive learning platforms to support intercultural collaboration and encourage cross-border learning.
This meeting was more than an administrative launch; it marked the beginning of a shared journey among organisations that believe young people are key to building a fairer and more humane digital world. The project brings together six partner organisations: EuroMed EVE Tunisia 🇹🇳, the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum (JYIF) 🇯🇴, EuroMed EVE Belgium 🇧🇪, AVEC France 🇫🇷, Caleidoscopio Italy 🇮🇹, and Euromed EVE Morocco 🇲🇦. Together, they form a dynamic Euro-Mediterranean network working to transform digital challenges into opportunities for learning, dialogue, and peacebuilding.
For Euromed EVE Morocco, this project holds particular significance. It builds on the organisation's ongoing commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue, civic participation, and the ethical use of technology. By integrating artificial intelligence into youth training programmes, the organisation seeks to help young people understand the social impact of digital communication and encourage them to develop a digital culture grounded in responsibility and respect. The project's activities also aim to strengthen critical thinking and emotional intelligence while promoting citizenship, openness, and cooperation—essential pillars of a strong and balanced democratic society.
At a time when divisions and misinformation are becoming increasingly widespread, the “Generative AI – Youth Sector Challenges and Impact” initiative reminds us that technology is not inherently an enemy of humanity. When used consciously and responsibly, it can become a force for good. Education, international cooperation, and ethical innovation are key to transforming artificial intelligence into a positive force that contributes to safer, fairer, and more compassionate digital spaces.
In conclusion, Euromed EVE Morocco and its partners continue to pursue this ambitious journey towards a digital future built on tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect. In the coming phases, the project will move forward with on-the-ground activities, including training sessions, exchanges, and creative workshops across Mediterranean countries, empowering young people to take an active role in shaping a more aware and humane digital world. Future articles will document this journey and share young people's stories, experiences, and achievements in tackling hate speech and building a digital space founded on coexistence and peace.