ETF and the UfM to promote Human Capital Development

Barcelona-On the margins of the third plenary session of the Euro-Mediterranean Association of Regional and Local Authorities (ARLEM) in Bari, Dr. Lino Cardarelli, UfM Acting Secretary General, and the European Training Foundation (ETF) director, Mrs Madlen Serban, signed a Letter of Intent, entailing both institutions to cooperate in the areas of human development.
With this document the UfM and the ETF will work together on sharing their networks in the Mediterranean region, in addition to exchange information and analysis on countries and regions. Moreover, the two organizations will carry out joint thematic activities. The ETF will also provide expertise in the framework of the UfM SME core group, in addition it will be part of the experts’ board for the upcoming Mediterranean Initiative for Jobs, which will the Secretariat kick off soon.

Commenting on this new partnership, Dr. Cardarelli said: “Now, more than ever such cooperation is needed between the UfM and institutions such as the    ETF, the challenge of creating jobs in the Mediterranean remains to be of a massive concern, in addition, this region is young and dynamic, more that 64% of its population are youth, who need to be equipped with the right skills and trainings to match the market’s needs.” He added:” we are certainly proud of this collaboration and we are determined to materialize it into tangible projects.”
It’s worthwhile mentioning that the ETF based in Turin, Italy, and operational since 1994, is an EU agency that helps transition and developing countries to harness the potential of their human capital through the reform of education, training, and labour market systems in the context of the EU’s external relations policy.