Extraordinary session of the UfM Platform on Research and Innovation – Launch of the UfM Working Groups on Research & Innovation
8 April 2025, Online – The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) held an online session of the UfM Regional Platform on Research and Innovation to officially launch Working Groups (WGs) led and participated by UfM Member States.
These WGs aim to develop concrete initiatives and action plans to support the implementation of the UfM R&I Roadmaps, in preparation for the next Ministerial Conference in 2026.
The launch reflects the commitment of UfM Member States to develop a more inclusive R&I agenda able to generate impact on Mediterranean societies and economies.
The session featured interventions from representatives of over 16 countries, as well as key regional stakeholders including the European Commission, PRIMA, UNIMED, and the UfM.
The Working Groups will address key regional priorities: Mobility of researchers and capacity building, co-chaired by Egypt and Italy, open data, data sharing and digitalisation, co-chaired by Jordan and Spain. A third one on Innovation and scalability of research has been proposed as well.
The Working Groups will operate under a dedicated Technical Assistance mechanism funded by the European Commission. The outcomes of the Working Groups will feed into the Innovation Marketplace and 31st meeting of the UfM Platform Meeting in October 2025, and ultimately into the 2026 UfM Ministerial Declaration and Action Plan on Research and Innovation.
With the launch of the Working Groups, the UfM reaffirms its role as a regional platform for science diplomacy, knowledge sharing, and collective progress toward a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive Euro-Mediterranean region.
