Like the EU, the Union for the Mediterranean has adopted a real urban roadmap and I very much welcome that. I hope you will draw on the experience and best practices of the Urban Agenda for the EU, and make cities close partners. They have a unique insight and their involvement in policy-making on key urban matters, together with local stakeholders from the civil society or the business sphere, will benefit the lives of millions of people around the Mediterranean”
Ms. Corina Creţu
Former EU Commissioner for Regional and Urban Policy
Easy and safe access to flows of goods and people over land and sea is essential for regional prosperity and integration. The UfM is actively engaged towards addressing the complex challenges facing the transport sector and developing an efficient, integrated, interoperable and sustainable transport infrastructure network through a holistic and integrated approach, with a view to improving transport connectivity in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Sustainable urbanization is key to addressing climate change, and cities are potential drivers for sustainable development, economic growth and stability. With this in mind, the UfM works to implement the UfM Urban Agenda for the Mediterranean region following a cooperative approach that underscores the joint efforts of governments, local and regional authorities, developers, financiers and civil society, with the ultimate aim of improving the liveability of Mediterranean urban areas by ensuring that urban growth is turned into opportunities
 |
3.6% | growth in regional trade |
and a 6.5% growth in exports could result from on-going and future trade facilitations and transport infrastructure improvements
 |
60% | of the Mediterranean population |
is living in urban areas, where the rapid increase in urban population constitutes a major challenge for sustainable urban development
(Source: EIB 2017)
| Nearly | ||||
| 80% | of the Mediterranean countries’ populations |
|||
will be concentrated on 10% of the land – predominantly the coastline- by 2030
Develop a regional transport network fostering socio-economic development and regional integration
Contribute to implementing the UfM Urban Agenda with a view to fostering inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable urban development
Enhance regional dialogue efforts through a multi-stakeholder framework bringing together UfM Member States and key partners and stakeholders to share best practices and develop projects, providing them with technical support and mobilizing financing instruments in particular from IFIs
