The Babel Initiative (Babel) is an officially recognized student association of Sciences Po Paris on the campus of Menton which specializes in the Mediterranean, North African and Middle East regions. Babel was originally founded by the Menton campus administration as an effort to provide a practical dimension to the studies completed by the students on the Menton campus.

Babel holds the title of the oldest association on campus, starting its journey by focusing its research efforts on Turkey in 2006 all the way to Cyprus in 2024.

Cultural Connection and Awareness Through Research

Babel has over 15 years of experience in supporting a team of young researchers with on ground research projects to share the rich culture of the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa with the Sciences Po community and beyond.

Babel Initiative is a recognized academic, research association as part of the university Sciences Po Paris, on its Middle East and Mediterranean campus in Menton. Led by first and second year students, it works towards cultural rapprochement between the different countries of the Mediterranean and MENA region by operating as a platform for the production and publication of five research papers discussing the chosen country of the year.

Over the years, Babel Initiative has sent researchers to over fifteen different countries.

Every year we enable students to undertake extensive research on various topics in a MENA country which aim to provide a holistic and enlightening view of the chosen country. This process occurs over the course of the academic year including a self-funded trip to the specified country and concluding with an academic colloquium to present the finalized research papers to the Sciences Po community, officials and local community members.

Annual Colloquium

The Annual Colloquium is a key event for the Babel Initiative, bringing together esteemed guests, experts, academic moderators, university administrators, and our partners. It serves as a platform for the five research teams of the term to present their findings and engage in meaningful discussions. This event fosters intellectual exchange and encourages dialogue on a wide range of topics related to the MENA region, highlighting the academic contributions of our students.

The Cyprus Colloquium 2024 was a resounding success, welcoming over 100 attendees, including distinguished figures such as President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus; Yves Juhel, Mayor of Menton; Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco; and Youssef Halaoua, Director of Sciences Po, Campus de Menton. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for collaboration and networking, allowing Babel to continue to strengthen its commitment to bridging academic research and real-world impact.

Publishing research

Babel Initiative is dedicated to advancing academic discourse by providing young researchers with a platform to share their insights. Our research teams' work will be officially published, offering the wider community access to diverse topics related to the MENA region. Currently, Jordan's papers are in the process of being published with CAREP Paris.

In conjunction with these research efforts, Babel aligns all its campus activities and the annual cultural week with the country of focus for the year—in 2024, Morocco. Students at Sciences Po Menton and local residents of Menton will be invited to participate in cultural activities, informational sessions, and presentations by Moroccan officials and academics. Babel strives to foster an environment of diversity, respect, and appreciation for different cultures, building bridges to create a more aware and tolerant society.