Enhancing regional stability, development and integration: 5 new priorities for the UfM

The climate crisis affects people all across the Mediterranean region in multiple ways. A common threat such as this requires common solutions from UfM Member States. The region has enormous potential when it comes to renewable energy sources, which we must work to fully harness, and with more than 180 million considered to be ‘water poor’ in the region, we must aim to future-proof this sector and ensure sustainable water supplies.

At present, the Mediterranean is using three times more resources than it can generate, and has seen a range of environmental problems in very recent memory, such as record-high temperatures, severe flooding and forest fires. 

Moreover, temperatures in the Mediterranean are on course to increase by up to 5.6°C by the end of the century. At the same time, rainfall is forecast to drop by some 20%, and average sea levels are due to rise by up to 90cm. We are after all at a turning point that requires serious attention; it is vital that we take the necessary actions.

Further integration across the Mediterranean region is the key to securing sustainable economic growth and unleashing the human potential of an area that accounts for more than 20% of global trade in goods. Research and Innovation (R&I) is vital in providing new solutions to the current challenges faced, and the shortcomings in infrastructure systems need to be addressed to increase trade participation and eliminate regional imbalances.

However, much work needs to be done with regard to creating a more inclusive environment where all can prosper. More needs to be done to marry the skills inculcated in education and training to the needs of the labour market. Currently, some 30% of people with third-level education in the region are unemployed, which is higher than those without it.

It is therefore necessary to align government policies, academia and the private sector to optimise outcomes. A holistic response is required to unlock the region’s potential. Moreover, there remain issues regarding the recognition of qualifications, which if solved could help the flow of knowledge and talent flourish more freely between UfM Member States.

Also of critical importance is the imbalance in trade flows. The EU accounts for 94% of merchandise exports whilst 70% of Mediterranean cargo flows exclusively between European ports. Only 15% of these flows are between Europe and North Africa. This drops to just 5% within the MENA region.

In order to achieve future socio-economic development, it is important to mobilise all of society so that no group is left behind. Gender disparities remain and must be tackled by empowering women to take part in the general economy, entrepreneurship and leadership roles. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the move towards greater digitalisation, both in the public and private spheres. This trend has the potential to improve people’s lives but there remain hurdles to be overcome, including persistent gender disparities. 

It is important to improve access to this new digital world, to enable governmental bodies to more effectively reach their citizens and also to help businesses across the region to thrive by making the most out of this transition.

Coordinating and improving civil protection in the face of natural or man-made disasters has been a key goal for the UfM being founded in 2008. The aim is to bring together national and existing multilateral bodies to enable more effective responses to such threats in the region and to raise the overall level of expertise in dealing with and anticipating these events in a spirit of solidarity to mitigate their impacts.