Rome MED

Mediterrean Dialogues

The leading conference on the Mediterranean, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies) and hosted annually in Rome. The MED Dialogues aim to rethink traditional approaches to the area, bringing in new ideas and suggestions as to draft a “positive agenda” for the region, which tackles security and socio-economic challenges through common visions.

High–level dialogues

Launched in 2015, MED has quickly become the global hub for high–level dialogues on the broader Mediterranean engaging prominent leaders of Mediterranean governments, business, civil society, media and academia.

  • 10

    years of conference

  • 40+

    events every year

  • 2000+

    international leaders

  • 800+

    analysts and speakers

Dialogues with international leaders

Past editions have brought together more than 2.000 international leaders, including Heads of State, Ministers, dignitaries, representatives of international organisations, and business leaders, mostly from countries of the wider Mediterranean but also Europe, Asia, and the US. Among them, the MED Dialogues hosted the King of Jordan, the Iraqi and Lebanese Presidents, Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, as well as the US Secretary of State, and many others . Representatives of international organisations have also attended, including the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, EU Special Representatives in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and African countries; but also UN Special Envoys for Syria, Libya, and Yemen; the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and many other leaders engaged in diplomatic and cooperation missions all over the region.

Speakers from all over the world

Promoters

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is responsible for Italy’s political, economic, social and cultural relations with other countries, and ensures that the international and European activities of other national ministries and government offices are consistent with the country’s international policy objectives.

Our Ministry operates through a network of offices throughout the world: embassies, permanent missions to the international organizations, special diplomatic delegations, consular offices and Italian cultural institutes.

The main activities include:

  • Enhancing Italy’s contribution to international relations;
  • Representing the Italian positions within the European Union;
  • Promoting the “Made in Italy” brand and supporting Italian businesses abroad;
  • Promoting the Italian language and culture abroad, through Italian schools, scholarships and grants for foreign citizens, language courses organised by the Italian Cultural Institutes, and archaeological missions;
  • Supporting and assisting Italians abroad through consular services and intervention in emergencies;
  • Managing development cooperation.

 

Visit MAECI website

ISPI is an independent, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank providing leading research and viable policy options to government officials, business executives, and the public wishing to better understand international issues. Founded in Milan, in 1934, ISPI has continuously adopted a pragmatic approach in analysing geographical areas and topics of particular interest to Italy and Europe. Its work also features partnerships with leading think tanks and universities globally.

ISPI’s research aims at providing analysis and scenarios on international political and socioeconomic dynamics. The Institute’s vision is also applied to its events, which involve political leaders, journalists, international organizations’ officials, experts, diplomats, and the business community.

Adapting to changing times, ISPI now offers hybrid initiatives as well as virtual and in-person events which have significantly widened its audience outreach.

Since 1950, ISPI has also been providing an extensive range of training courses. Today, it offers two postgraduate Masters: Diplomacy and International Cooperation, as well as short courses for more than 3000 graduates and students. Additionally, it proposes targeted training programs catered to the business, professionals, and public sector communities.

Visit ispi website

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Save the date

ISPI and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation are pleased to announce the 11th edition of the MED – Mediterranean Dialogues. For the first time, the MED community will convene in Naples, Italy, on 15-17 October 2025.

Against the backdrop of complex and evolving regional dynamics, the conference will contribute to shaping a positive agenda for the Mediterranean, bringing together leaders from governments, business, civil society, media, and academia.

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for updates.

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