In the framework of the activities of the Istikshaf Programme, a meeting of Mobility Operators will be held at the Swedish Institute in Alexandria on 24 and 25 June. The meeting will bring together individuals and organisations from across the Euro-Mediterranean region involved in promoting mobility. The purpose is to enhance the network of supporters, find common actions and tools, to use and develop the complementarities to become more efficient, and to discuss ways to encourage policy makers to support mobility, in order to contribute to lifelong learning and growth. Among the key discussion themes of the meeting will be a focus on evaluation tools and ways to measure the impact of mobility funds, and a presentation of best practices for others to learn from, bearing in mind the funds' experience with individual beneficiaries of mobility. Mechanisms for disseminating and sharing this knowledge will also be explored, so that it can be used in their communities via local initiatives. There will also be a presentation on successful advocacy campaign models (best practices) and a discussion on mechanisms for launching an advocacy campaign within the Istikshaf Programme, which will highlight the importance and the pattern of learning, and the policies which facilitate and promote mobility. The mobility operators' meeting will be followed by another meeting for the co-ordinators of the local mobility funds from ten different Arab countries working within the Istikshaf Programme. The meeting will be an opportunity for them to learn about the different initiatives and institutions, focusing on mobility in their countries, and formulating an action plan to facilitate the implementation of local initiatives and to network among them. These meetings are being organised in partnership with the Roberto Cimetta Fund in France and the International Association for Creation and Training (I-ACT) in Egypt, with the support of the European Union. The Istikshaf Programme Phase II aims to promote and sustain mobility as a precursor and motivator for cultural, educational, economic and social development, enhancing south-to-south travel opportunities and advocating policy recommendations. Isktishaf supports people who are engaged in cultural activities but have little money, helping them to travel abroad for cultural events.
