HELLE, Hajer and Hussein are young, articulate and ambitious. They dream big and aim high. They want the best for themselves and for the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries they live in.

You won’t read about them in traditional newspapers. They aren’t interested in making headlines, at least not yet.

But more, much more than their fragile and often hapless governments, these young people and millions of others like them hold the key to the future of their troubled region.

As young teachers, democracy activists and peace campaigners, the way they think and act will have a profound impact not only on their own countries but on Europe and the world.

In a region where almost 65 per cent of the population is under the age of 30, the choices these young people make will determine whether we live amid war or peace.

I meet these “Young Mediterranean Voices” and other young movers and shakers at the MedForum 2016 organised in Malta by the Anna Lindh Foundation on October 24-25.

Set up in 2005 with the aim of bringing people together from across the Mediterranean in order to improve mutual respect between cultures, the Foundation is named after the late Swedish foreign minister Anna Lindh.

The foundation has just launched a “Young Mediterranean Voices” initiative and is holding a massive conference at the refurbished medieval conference centre in Valetta.

The centre is abuzz with the energy and enthusiasm of over 500 young Europeans and Arabs eager to make a difference. The Anna Lindh Foundation has identified many of them as change makers, savvy young people who can help shape and reshape the societies they live in.

As parts of the Arab world are jolted by violent conflicts and wars and economic deprivation drive many young people to Europe, the young men and women — many women — in Malta are proof that the region is not just about death and destruction.

Their focus in their daily lives — and during the two days in Malta — is to help craft a narrative of hope, dialogue and cooperation which runs counter to the discourse of hate and violence propagated by the militant Islamic State group and other extremists.

Instead of trying to counter the extremists’ poisonous voices, many insist that they want to articulate their own inspiring vision of societies where people can live in peace. After all, ‘‘no one is born a terrorist.’

Religion is the last thing on their minds. They want better jobs, clean government, security and hope. Many are aspiring entrepreneurs and specialists in communication.

And forget the stereotypes: some of the girls may wear headscarves but they are strong and confident and their voices are loud and clear.

In all sessions and in different ways they insist on the importance of education, using technology for social change and having a say in the way their countries are run.

A study commissioned by the Anna Lindh Foundation highlights the fact that both in Europe and in the Mediterranean region, investing in education and young people is seen as a “very efficient measure” to prevent conflicts and radicalisation.

Significantly, the opinion poll also shows that both in Europe and in the Arab world, prevention of extremism and cultural diversity are seen as equally important.

At the Centre in Malta, cultural diversity is in the spotlight as cross-border conversations flourish and discussion groups bring together not just Europeans and Arabs but also Arabs from different countries and backgrounds.

The focus on civil society and young people is not new but amid the violence and extremism, there is a consensus on the need to act urgently.

The EU is backing the Anna Lindh Foundation and its initiatives and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 emphasises the role of youth in peace and security.

Among other features, it acknowledges the crucial role that youth can play in managing conflict and establishing peace processes.

Amid the heated conversations, there are many lessons for policymakers in the MENA region. First, stop obsessing about religion and start putting money where it really matters: in schools, in creating jobs, in attracting investments.

Second, engage with civil society, don’t fear it. Governments in the region too often reject the ideas and passion of young people instead of seeking to channel their enthusiasm for change and reform into national policymaking.

For the EU, the message is equally clear. Investing in young people in the neighbouring regions is vital if the southern Mediterranean is to become prosperous and peaceful.

While it is important to focus on countering radicalisation and ensuring security, the majority of youth in the MENA region are involved in a fight for better education, jobs and good governance.

Building stronger Euro-Mediterranean bonds is going to be a key priority for Malta, which takes over the EU presidency in January 2017, with Foreign Minister George Vella telling the meeting his country could act as a catalyst to bring Mediterranean countries together in a period of turmoil.

The EU High Representative Federica Mogherini’s message to the forum also highlighted the EU’s commitment to engage with young people. These are encouraging steps in the right direction. They must be followed up urgently with even more determined action.

—The writer is Dawn’s correspondent in Brussels

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2016