Higher Education & Research

Regional cooperation efforts in the fields of higher education, research, and innovation, as well as vocational training and mobility play an essential role in achieving a positive agenda for youth in the Mediterranean due to their potential on increasing employability, promoting intercultural dialogue, deepening social cohesion, and preventing extremism. The collaboration with the UfM Member States to properly implement and expand in the region the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs – especially the Mediterranean Initiative – are key political objectives.

The activities of the UfM in the area of Higher Education and Research also aim as well to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, SDG 8.6 -Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training (NEETs), and SDGs where research and innovation play a crucial role.