The Madrid Appeal laid the foundations for a dynamic dialogue between North and South in a spirit of respect for democracy, and human dignity in order to allow all the world's inhabitants to enjoy fair, balanced and sustainable development.

The North–South Centre, was established in Lisbon in May 1990 with the purpose of promoting dialogue between North and South, fostering solidarity and raising awareness of global interdependence.

The Centre strives to promote gender empowerment, youth participation and democratic consolidation through intercultural dialogue in cooperation with civil society, local authorities, governments and parliaments.

[1] - 29 May 2013: Adoption of the Report on the new Mission of the Centre in the framework of the Council of Europe neighborhood policy - 5 May 2011: Adoption of a new Statutory Resolution for the NSC which entered into force on 1 June 2011↵- 2010: Accession of Azerbaijan and Cape Verde, the second non-European country to become a member; Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the North–South Centre↵- 2009: Accession of Morocco, first non-European country to become a member – the NSC has 21 member States and 1st African University on Youth and Development (Praia) - 2007: 1st Africa-Europe Youth Summit - 2001: Accession of Germany – the NSC has 20 member States - 2000: Launching of the University on Youth and Development (Mollina) - 1995: Launching of the North-South Prize of the Council of Europe (Lisbon) - 1994: 1st meeting of the Lisbon Forum “Human Rights in North-South dialogue” Launching of the “Transmed Program” (Rome) - 1993: Existence of the North–South Centre confirmed by Resolution (93)51 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (21 October) – the NSC has 15 member States - 1990: Set up of the North–South Centre in Lisbon - 1989: Adoption on 16 November 1989 of the Resolution (89)14 adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe endorsing the creation of the North–South Centre following a proposition by the government of Portugal, with 10 founding countries (16 November) - 1988: European public campaign on North-South interdependence and solidarity organized by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the European Community.

Through this decision, the member States - and indeed all the stakeholders of the North–South Centre - have confirmed its relevance and importance, at a time when the Arab countries - our Neighbours - are facing historical changes.

- the priority areas of the Centre are confirmed (education, youth, intercultural dialogue), with an increased focus on the promotion of Council of Europe principles and values beyond the European continent.

The Africa-Europe Youth Co-operation activities in the framework of the “Joint Management Agreement” (JMA), signed with the European Commission in November 2008 and renewed until 2015.

The center is a unique confidence-building instrument that enables its partners to analyze, discuss and compare their policies and experiences so that they can share best practices, reach consensuses and influence political debate.

Governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities and civil society organizations constitute the partners in the quadrilogue and are involved in the center's activities.

It acts as a catalyst by facilitating meetings between players from different horizons and countries, working on issues of common interest and encouraging the formation of networks.

Reinforcement of policies, partnerships and networking of key stakeholders in the field of global education - Joint Management Agreement between the EC and the NSC Objectives: elaborate on the prospects of developing a European framework for global/development education, facilitate and provide the space for dialogue and networking between international and European actors, in particular in the new EU member states, and to share experiences and identify common priorities.

Themes of the Forum have been closely related to the core mission of the Council of Europe: to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

In light of the events of the 'Arab Spring' and of the changes in the countries of the region, recent editions of the Forum have sought to address key challenges faced by Arab societies and explore possibilities for renewed cooperation with Europe.

It offered to the participants an opportunity to exchange on the main issues related to the electoral process as well as on the importance of democratic awareness of all actors involved.

The candidates, preferably a man and a woman, must have distinguished themselves in the following areas: protection of human rights, defense of pluralist democracy, public awareness raising on issues of global interdependence and solidarity, and strengthening the North-South partnership.

Global/development education aims at raising awareness and at strengthening citizens’ capacity to take action, advocate for their rights and take part in the political debate at local, national and international level for social justice and sustainable development.