UfM and OECD partner to strengthen cooperation for inclusive and sustainable development in the Southern Mediterranean
30 January 2018, Paris.- The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in order to intensify cooperation to advance inclusive and sustainable growth in the Southern Mediterranean region. Youth employability, local economic and employment development, public-private dialogue, women’s empowerment, urban development and transport as well as green growth and economic resilience building are amongst the priority areas targeted.
The MoU was signed by Gabriela Ramos, OECD Chief of Staff and Sherpa to the G20 and Laurence Pais, Deputy Secretary-General of the UfM at the OECD’s Paris headquarters.
“The signing of this MoU signals the growing cooperation between the UfM and the OECD. By joining forces, we will be able to create a widened platform for regional dialogue and cooperation. Contributing to regional integration and stability in the Euro-Mediterranean region is among the UfM’s top priorities, and we look forward to pursuing and intensifying this effort hand-in-hand with the OECD”, said Laurence Païs.
“Fostering economic stability, peace, and sustainable development in the MENA region is of strategic importance. This is why the OECD has been working closely with the region for over a decade through its MENA-OECD Initiative on Governance and Competitiveness. Our strengthened partnership with the UfM will help deepen our cooperation with countries of the region to create more and better opportunities for their citizens, especially women and youth”, said Gabriela Ramos.
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