The annual high-level initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies) in Rome with the aim to rethink traditional approaches to the area complementing analyses of current challenges with new ideas and suggestions and to draft a new “positive agenda”, addressing shared challenges at both the regional and the international level.
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.
Past editions have brought together more than 2,000 international leaders, including Heads of State and Ministers (among them, the King of Jordan, the Iraqi and Lebanese’s President, Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, the US Secretary of State, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Envoy for Syria, as well as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the first Vice-President of the Commission and many others)
The ninth edition, which will be held in Rome from 2 to 4 November 2023, will be characterized by a series of initiatives towards the main conference.
The four pillars
Rome MED builds upon four pillars: Shared Prosperity, Shared Security, Migration, and Civil Society and Culture. Debates on these topics are intended to complement analyses of current challenges with new ideas and suggestions to scale-up economic cooperation, overcome regional rivalries and conflicts, and ensure that adequate incentives for sustainable development are set in motion.
Under the “Shared Prosperity” pillar, particular attention is devoted to the role that business leaders and civil society can play to foster prosperity and political stability in a region where new opportunities may be seized.
Discussions on “Shared Security” are focused on viable strategies to avoid further turmoil, fight terrorism and promote successful post-conflict transitions and institution-building, thus enhancing resilience in Mediterranean countries.
The “Migration” pillar encourages discussion about migration-related topics, including: identifying safe and legal routes for asylum seekers; fostering social inclusion; and efficiently combining countertrafficking policies with the respect of human rights.
The “Civil Society and Culture” pillar allows to put all these challenges into perspective by acknowledging that the Mediterranean region is a unique “melting pot” of cultures and religions, with important historical legacies, and a rich natural and cultural heritage.
Promoters
The Ministry 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 organized by the Italian Cultural Institutes, and archaeological missions;
• Supporting and assisting Italians abroad through consular services and intervention in emergencies;
• Managing development cooperation;
• Managing communication and providing information for Institutions, media citizens.
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 analyzing 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 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.