Dutch ALF Network Meets in Utrecht for Third National Network Meeting

Meeting Overview

The Dutch Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation held its third National Network Gathering on 26 September 2025 at Huis van Vrede in Utrecht. The meeting was organised by the Arab-West Foundation, chaired by Koen Vliegenthart and attended by representatives of different member organisations. Minutes were prepared by Romana Moussa, Network Coordinator.

Project Updates

Members reviewed progress on the Faro Convention Project, focusing on oral history and migrant heritage. The team is preparing a five-minute pitch for 7 October, continuing to follow the Free University’s ethical guidelines.

The Sustainability Group will be reactivated after a period of inactivity, and the renewed ALF NL website will include a dedicated section for sustainability initiatives.

Reporting & Engagement

The network agreed to separate the Arab-West Foundation’s institutional report from the collective annual report of the Dutch ALF Network. Gary Feingold (Stichting KunstenDialoog) and Adenike Alade (Stichting Lydia Generation – Thrive) volunteered to assist with its preparation.

Romana presented the Network Engagement Scheme, which offers compensation for members who take on tasks such as communications, reporting, and event organisation. A full list of opportunities will be circulated soon.

Association & Membership Structure

Members unanimously agreed that the Arab-West Foundation will serve as the legal board, with the Governance Board acting as an advisory body. Draft statutes—outlining goals, priorities, and recurring activities—will be reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international ALF Foundation, and a notary.

Membership will continue to be open to civil society organisations. Existing individual members retain their status; new individual applicants may join as Friends of the Network (non-voting).

Website Renewal

A new WordPress-based website is being developed, funded by Prof. Dr. Arthur Eilers. It will include multiple access levels to ensure smooth content management. Members will be invited to review and provide feedback on the structure.

Fundraising & External Relations

• The network is exploring EU funding opportunities, supported by Cynthia Nunes’ expertise.
• The Dutch Network will also join a joint petition coordinated with other Heads of Network in Europe and the MENA region.
• Members expressed support for appointing an honorary ambassador to enhance visibility

Cultural Projects

Updates were shared on the “Treasures Saved from Gaza” exhibition, with potential venues including the Peace Museum (Amsterdam) and the National Museum of Antiquities (Leiden).

For the Day of the Mediterranean on November 28th, both proposals by Stichting KunstenDialoog and Stichting Doing were presented and discussed. In the end, Stichting Doing was appointed as the organiser for 2025 by the Secretariat of the Anna Lindh Foundation.

New Initiatives

A proposal by Adenike Alade to introduce monthly rotating events, hosted by different member organisations, was warmly welcomed. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration, maintain engagement, and increase network visibility.

Looking Ahead

The gathering reaffirmed the Dutch Network’s shared commitment to dialogue, cultural exchange, and community-building. As we move forward, we continue to grow not only in structure, but in purpose—building a network where every member contributes to a more connected, understanding, and peaceful Mediterranean region.