Dn the duel we are witnessing for the presidency of the Arab World Institute (IMA) between Jack Lang and Jean-Yves Le Drian raises questions. Is the only possible choice between the current president, appointed in 2013 by François Hollande and renewed in this post by Emmanuel Macron in 2017, having already completed three terms and who intends to obtain a fourth; And the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense who criss-crossed the Arab world for ten years at the head of these two sovereign ministries? It is true that the IMA, a French foundation under private law, does not set an age limit for its president, but is that a reason?
It is not a question here of personalizing the subject, although the image which is given of this battle is disastrous, but of proposing another ambition for this post which has most often been attributed to political figures, male, for services rendered without the link with the Arab world still being relevant. Wouldn’t it be time to bring to the head of this institution inaugurated in 1987 a younger personality with recognized skills both culturally and in terms of knowledge of a region in full tumult?
Address to young people
If the primary vocation of the IMA is cultural, it is also at the crossroads of diplomatic and political issues. Why not offer a profile that meets these two requirements and is more in line with the expectations of the young generation on both shores of the Mediterranean? It would be a tremendous message addressed to this region when the President of the Republic has never ceased to say and repeat that he supports the cause of young people and women.
The “Summit of the two shores, Forum of the Mediterranean” which was held in Marseille in 2019 was placed under the sign of dialogue, of youth. Emmanuel Macron then expressed his desire to “find the thread of a different Mediterranean policy by drawing lessons from what [ils] of[aient] successful and what sometimes [ils n’étaient] failed to do”. This ambition should be found at the head of this institution and be carried by a new generation.
The IMA aims to shine in France and, in particular, to promote successful cultural integration with the French population of Arab origin who discover the enhancement of both heritage and the creation of the culture of the countries of origin of their parents. . This place is frequented by many schoolchildren who discover it with astonishment and pride.
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