AGP Executive Report

Travel & Heritage: A 19-night North Africa and Malta cruise departing Liverpool in February 2027 will stop at La Goulette, offering visitors a gateway to Tunisian culture and history. Arab Literature: The Khaled Khalifa Novel Award, launched by the late Syrian novelist’s friends, is open to writers across the Arab world and operates without government support. Rights & Daily Life: Human Rights Watch says summer power and water shortages in Tunisia put lives at risk; meanwhile, blogger Hajer Awadi has been sentenced to 26 months over a social media post. Youth & Education: A Jendouba campaign brought schools, regional agencies and civil society groups together to help students prevent risky behaviour. Women in Science: A Tunisian researcher has won the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science France Award. Maghreb History: A new feature traces how Algiers became a global meeting point for anti-colonial movements after Algerian independence.

Living Conditions: Human Rights Watch says summer power and water shortages in Tunisia put health and lives at risk, including by disrupting hospital care and water supplies. Press Freedom: Blogger Hajer Awadi was sentenced to 26 months over a social media post. Youth and Education: A Jendouba campaign brought schools, public agencies and civil society groups together to promote prevention of risky behaviours among students. Culture and Exchange: Tunisia has launched Italian-language courses for diplomats, while Tunisia and Japan marked 70 years of diplomatic relations. Women in Science: A Tunisian researcher won the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science France Award. Screen: Tunisian-Italian actress Maya Talem is joining the film “Maserati: The Brothers.”

Rights & Public Services: Human Rights Watch says summer power and water shortages put lives at risk across Tunisia, disrupting hospitals and pumping stations. It called for transparent action and reliable access to basic services. Youth & Wellbeing: A “One Hour of Prevention” campaign brought schools, regional agencies and civil society groups together in Jendouba to raise awareness of risky behaviors. Cultural Exchange: Italian-language courses for Tunisian diplomats have begun in Tunis, strengthening cultural and professional ties between the two countries. Women in Sport: Tunisia’s women’s rugby side snatched a last-minute win over Kenya’s Shibli at Nairobi’s Safari Sevens. Science: Tunisian researcher wins the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science France Award.

Youth & Wellbeing: A “One Hour of Prevention” campaign brought schools, public agencies and civil society groups together in Jendouba to address risky behaviours among students. Women’s Sport: Tunisia’s sevens side snatched a last-minute win over Kenya’s Shibli at Safari Sevens, while the national football team lost 1–0 to Senegal in its Olympic qualifying tie in Radès. Language & Exchange: Italian courses have begun for Tunisian diplomats at the International Diplomatic Academy in Tunis, part of cultural and linguistic cooperation between the two countries. Film: Tunisia is among the countries represented in IDFA’s 2026 documentary forum lineup, which features 47 projects and new presentation formats. Science: A Tunisian researcher has won the 2026 L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science France Award.

Women’s Football: Tunisia’s Olympic qualifying campaign began with a 1–0 home defeat to Senegal in Radès. The return leg is set for October 13. Language & Diplomacy: Italian courses for Tunisian diplomats have launched in Tunis, strengthening cultural and linguistic ties with Italy. Women in Science: Tunisian cybersecurity researcher Dhikra Mahmoud won a 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science France Award. Travel & Lifestyle: Tunisia topped a holiday-price list for affordable beer, averaging £1.27 for a half-litre glass.

Cultural Exchange: Italian-language courses have begun at Tunis’s International Diplomatic Academy, in a new partnership with Italy’s embassy aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. Film: Tunisian projects are among 47 selected for IDFA’s 2026 documentary forum in Amsterdam, which connects filmmakers with potential funders and co-production partners. Women in Science: Researcher Dhikra Mahmoud won a 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO award in France for her cybersecurity work. Innovation: Tunisia ranked among Africa’s leading countries in WIPO’s 2026 Global Innovation Index; it placed first worldwide for science and engineering graduates and 12th for scientific publications. Music: Tunisian vocalist Lamia Bedioui is set to perform her “Watersong” project at Istanbul’s Akbank Jazz Festival on Oct. 11. Education: Maghreb education ministers and UNESCO experts met in Tunis to discuss digital transformation and better use of data in policymaking.

Women in Science: Tunisian cybersecurity researcher Dhikra Mahmoud won the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science France Award, spotlighting Tunisian talent and research links with France. Innovation: Tunisia ranked among Africa’s innovation leaders; WIPO cited its strength in science and engineering graduates and scientific publications. Cost of Living: Inflation reached 5.6% in September, with food prices driving the increase. Travel: The US Embassy advised Americans to avoid Djerba around Oct. 7 and stay alert. Separately, a Jet2 survey named Tunisia the cheapest destination for holiday beer, averaging £1.27 per half-litre. Culture: Carthage Music Days’ 11th edition runs through Oct. 10; Tunisian vocalist Lamia Bedioui is also set to perform at Istanbul’s Akbank Jazz Festival on Oct. 11.

Women in Science: Tunisian researcher Dhikra Mahmoud has won the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science France Award for her cybersecurity research. Arts & Music: Carthage Music Days is underway through October 10, while Tunisian vocalist Lamia Bedioui is set to perform at Istanbul’s Akbank Jazz Festival on October 11. Travel & Safety: The U.S. Embassy has advised Americans to avoid Djerba on or around October 7 and remain alert. Education: Tunisia’s education minister joined a Maghreb forum in Tunis on digital transformation and improving education policy. Cost of Living: Inflation reached 5.6% in September, with food prices up 8.4% year-on-year, led by sharp rises in poultry, fruit and meat.

Housing & Rights: UN-Habitat marked World Habitat Day in Muscat with the 2026 Scroll of Honour, spotlighting “Adequate Housing for All” and reminding us that 3.4 billion people still lack secure, safe, adequate homes. Tunisia Economy: Tunisia’s inflation hit 5.6% in September, driven mainly by food and beverage prices (up 8.4%), with poultry, fruit, meat and vegetables all jumping. Public Policy & Youth Safety: Tunisia’s Interior Ministry says it’s stepping up inspections to keep minors out of cafés and bars, with closure orders when violations are found. Culture & Arts: Thessaloniki’s Agora Crossroads Co-production Forum unveiled 14 new projects across the Mediterranean, with themes ranging from representation to folk stories. Music Spotlight: Istanbul’s Akbank Jazz Festival runs under “The City’s State of Jazz,” ending with Tunisian vocalist Lamia Bedioui’s “Watersong.” Tunisia-Japan Ties: Tunisia and Japan marked 70 years of diplomatic relations in Tokyo, with new plans for cooperation in AI, resilient agriculture and the blue/green economies. International Travel Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia issued a warning for Americans to avoid Djerba around Oct. 7.

Tunisia & Human Rights: Human Rights Watch warns that Tunisia’s power and water failures during extreme summer heat endangered health and disrupted hospitals, while authorities blamed sabotage and cracked down on protesters. Child Protection: Tunisia’s Interior Ministry says it’s stepping up inspections to keep minors out of cafés and bars, with closure orders for repeat violations. Culture & Film Industry: Thessaloniki’s Agora Crossroads Co-production Forum (Nov 8–12) unveiled 14 projects from 15 countries, spotlighting themes like representation, manhood, and new takes on folk stories. Housing as a Cultural Issue: UN-Habitat marks World Habitat Day in Muscat, stressing “Adequate Housing for All” as dignity and cultural adequacy—not just shelter—while noting 3.4 billion people lack secure housing. Arts & Youth: Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA 2026) ends with prize distribution, including manga workshops for children and a Japan-embassy amateur manga competition. Heritage & Lifestyle: A travel roundup puts Tunisia at the top for cheap beer on holiday, with pints averaging £1.27—plus easy access to resorts like Hammamet and Sousse. Regional Spotlight: Tunisia and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties, with renewed focus on investment and cooperation in AI, resilient agriculture, and the blue/green economies.

World Habitat Day & Housing Rights: UN-Habitat marked World Habitat Day in Muscat with a push for “Adequate Housing for All,” warning that over 3.4 billion people lack secure, safe housing—housing that includes affordability and cultural adequacy, not just a roof. Tunisia’s Water & Power Crisis: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s electricity and water failures during extreme summer heat endangered health and rights, with hospitals and water pumping stations hit by rotating outages and authorities accused of poor transparency. UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour: Five initiatives—including Tunisia’s—were recognized with the 2026 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour, highlighting approaches from affordable building materials to culturally appropriate housing for displaced and Indigenous communities. Child Protection in Public Spaces: Tunisia’s Interior Ministry announced periodic inspections to keep minors out of cafés and bars, with closure orders and urgent interventions when exploitation or threats are detected. Adult Education Teachers: The government responded on regularizing the status and pay of adult education teachers, citing a decree that improved remuneration and explaining the complex link to social education teaching grades. Morocco’s Women in Leadership: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as prime minister, a historic step that also raises the immediate challenge of coalition-building amid economic pressure. Tunisia’s Elderly Care: A new elderly care home is set to open in Béja, with other facilities in Siliana and upgrades planned across several governorates.

Tunisia’s Adult Education Teachers: The Government Presidency says it has moved to regularize the financial situation of literacy and adult education teachers via a decree updating their pay system, while noting the complex task of aligning them with grades in the social education teaching corps. Elderly Care in Béja: Tunisia is set to strengthen its network of elderly care facilities, with a new home in Béja due to be handed over to authorities soon, plus upgrades planned in Sousse, Sfax and Jendouba and certification work in Kairouan. Palestine Solidarity in Tunisia: Tunisian activist Wael Naouar remains on hunger strike in prison after organizing the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla, with supporters warning his condition is deteriorating. Culture & Arts Calendar: Editors highlight October exhibitions worldwide, including a Sharjah Calligraphy Forum packed with events across Arab and international venues. Housing Crisis (Global, with Tunisia in view): UN-Habitat reports up to 3.4 billion people lack secure housing, stressing that “adequate” homes also mean affordability, services and cultural fit. Education & Recruitment: Tunisia announces a dentistry residency recruitment exam (45 posts) starting December 4 in Monastir.

Tunisia’s Adult Education Teachers: The government says it has moved to regularize adult education teachers’ status and improve pay via a 2024 decree, while noting the complex challenge of fitting diverse staff into the social education teaching corps. Elderly Care in Béja: Tunisia is set to open a new elderly care home in Béja, with other facilities under development and upgrades planned across several governorates, including a certification push in Kairouan. EU Asylum Rules: The EU has listed Tunisia and Morocco among “safe countries of origin,” meaning faster asylum processing may apply under EU rules. Tunisia Tourism Leadership: A profile of Tunisian National Tourist Office chief Mohamed Mehdi Haloui highlights the push to improve tourism quality and value, not just volume. Culture & Youth: Child Culture Award 2026 winners were announced in Oman, spotlighting children’s identity, language, and creativity through short performances. Gaza Friendly in France: A Tunisian-origin doctor helped launch a “Gaza Friendly” label and app linking consumers to certified boycott-friendly businesses.

Morocco’s women-in-power moment: Lawyer Fatima Zahra El Mansouri is set to become Morocco’s first female prime minister after King Mohammed VI asked her to form a government, following PAM’s win of 97 seats; the coalition talks now hinge on securing a majority and balancing ministries with a programme that fits public expectations. Tunisia’s adult education teachers: The Tunisian government says it has improved pay for literacy and adult education teachers via a 2024 decree, while regularising their status requires aligning them with the social education teaching corps—an approach complicated by differing ages, education levels and specialities. EU asylum rules: The EU lists seven “safe countries of origin” for 2026—among them Tunisia and Morocco—meaning asylum applications may face faster processing under EU rules. Elderly care expansion in Tunisia: A new elderly care home is due to open soon in Béja, with other facilities under development in Siliana and upgrades planned in Sousse, Sfax, Jendouba, plus certification plans for Kairouan. Tunisia softens “false news” penalties: Decree 54 amendments replace prison for first-time “false news” offences with fines of 10,000–20,000 dinars, while repeat offenders may still face jail. Culture & youth spotlight: Tunisia-linked talent and youth culture themes also surfaced this week, from child creativity awards to youth forums focused on e-sports and creative thinking.

Israel-Palestine Consumer Activism: “Gaza Friendly,” a Tunisian-origin French label app, is turning everyday shopping into solidarity by certifying boycott-linked businesses and mapping 80 participating shops across France. Performing Arts: Sharjah Art Foundation’s Perform Sharjah 2026 returns with free shows from Oct 11–Nov 29, mixing hip-hop, theatre with audience participation, multimedia work and large puppetry. Tunisia Media & Law: Tunisia has softened its “false news” cybercrime penalty: first-time offenders now face fines instead of up to five years in prison, a shift rights groups have long demanded. Regional Culture & Sports: Morocco’s historic appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as head of government keeps women’s leadership in the spotlight across North Africa. Development & Infrastructure: The Islamic Development Bank approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to boost connectivity and road safety. Youth Talent: Tunisia’s Ritej Charif is among the African picks for ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge 2026 in Sheffield, spotlighting the next generation of table tennis stars.

Morocco’s Women in Power: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s appointment as Morocco’s first female head of government keeps the spotlight on women’s leadership across North Africa, with public reactions split between hope for change and worries about tradition and the king’s ultimate role. Tunisia Media & Rights: Tunisia has softened its “false news” cybercrime penalties: first-time offenders can now pay fines (10,000–20,000 dinars) instead of facing up to five years in prison, while repeat cases may still lead to jail—an issue long tied to concerns about press freedom under Kais Saied. Tunisia Infrastructure & Development: The Islamic Development Bank approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to boost regional access, road safety, and social cohesion. Tunisia Culture & Music: Carthage Music Days returns for its 11th edition (Oct 3–10), bringing Arab-world acts and industry panels on topics like AI’s impact on music. Sports Youth Spotlight: Tunisia’s Ritej Charif is among selected players for the ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge in Sheffield (Oct 12–18), part of a wider talent pathway across Africa. Tunisia Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a suspected sexual assault of a 16-year-old in Mellassine, while warning that social media claims are inaccurate and arrests are ongoing.