Social and Emotional Learning in the Mediterranean Region

New publication explores the cross-cultural necessity of SEL and its role in fostering resilient societies across the Mediterranean.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is no longer just an educational buzzword; it is a fundamental necessity for navigating the complexities of the 21st century. Following the launch of the new book, Social and Emotional Learning in the Mediterranean: Cross-Cultural Perspectives, a recent panel hosted by Salzburg Global Seminar explored how these vital skills are being integrated across the region to support the "whole child."

The discussion reframed SEL as the "gatekeeper" of student motivation and cognitive success. With depression projected to be a leading cause of adolescent illness by 2030, panelists argued that SEL serves as a critical "vaccination" against psychological distress. Beyond well-being, the panel highlighted an economic reality: as automation reshapes the global workforce, human-centric skills like empathy, resilience, and teamwork have become the "hard currency" of the modern labor market.

A key takeaway from the session was that SEL cannot be a "one-size-fits-all" model. The Mediterranean region offers powerful case studies in local adaptation. In Lebanon, SEL has evolved from a crisis response for refugees into a mainstream pillar for primary education, focusing on a "whole-school" ecosystem. Meanwhile, Morocco is addressing the challenge through systemic teacher-training reforms, embedding SEL modules into university curricula to reach the next generation of educators.

However, the experts cautioned against "parachuting" Western models into diverse sociopolitical climates without adaptation. For SEL to be effective, it must be context-sensitive—empowering youth to navigate their specific cultural and social realities with emotional intelligence and safety.

Whether referred to as “life skills” or “psychosocial support,” the goal remains the same. Social and emotional learning seeks to foster a harmonious balance between cognitive and emotional development. As the Mediterranean continues to face unique challenges, mainstreaming SEL offers a path toward more resilient individuals and more cohesive societies.

”When we talk about social and emotional learning, we are talking about a set of skills that has been described as a kind of vaccination for the 21st century.”

Mark Sparvol, Microsoft Education

Book Cover