Mediterranean Dialogues

Rome MED 2016

MED 2016 – Beyond Turmoil

A positive Agenda

The second edition of the Rome MED - Mediterranean Dialogues will be held in Rome from 1 to 3 December 2016.

Interviews

The main speakers of the Rome MED – Rome Mediterranean Dialogues 2016 – share their opinion on the event topics

Interviews

Speeches

A selection of speeches and sessions of the Rome MED – Rome Mediterranean Dialogues 2016

Speeches

MED in Images

A selection of photographs from the Rome MED event.

MED Report

Leaving the Storm behind: Ideas for a New Mediterranean.

Shared Prosperity

Under the “Shared Prosperity” pillar, specific 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. In this context, MED 2016 also addresses two related topics: matching energy security objectives with sustainable development goals, and engaging Sub-Saharan African countries in dialogues that are often limited to the Northern and Southern shores of the Mediterranean.

Shared Security

Discussions on “Shared Security” are focused on viable strategies to fight terrorism and promote successful post-conflict transitions and institution-building aimed at enhancing resilience in Mediterranean countries. This will be all the more possible if new opportunities are offered to young generations across the region through: more inclusive growth, putting an end to the narratives of hatred and exclusion that fuel jihadist movements; intelligence cooperation and engagement of local communities to counter violent extremism and organized crime. These goals require an additional effort: rethinking the regional order in the MENA area.

Migration

The recent rise in migrant and refugee flows is turning into a humanitarian crisis. In this context, the “Migration” pillar encourages discussion about migration-related topics, including: identifying safe and legal routes for asylum seekers; fostering social inclusion; providing protection and assistance to migrants in need; and efficiently combining counter-trafficking policies with the respect of human rights.

Civil Society & Culture

The “Civil Society and Culture” pillar builds upon the acknowledgment that the Mediterranean region is a unique “melting pot” of cultures and religions, with important historical legacies, and a rich natural and cultural heritage. Topics in this pillar are: social and religious pluralism; counter-narratives to fight religious extremism; the role of the media in overcoming bias and misperceptions; and the crucial role of women and the younger generations.

Shared Prosperity

Finding viable options to re-launch economic interactions and promote greater regional integration in the Mediterranean is the core of the Pillar. Specific attention will be given to the role that business leaders may play in fostering common prosperity. Central to the debate will be the challenge of how to match energy security objectives with sustainable development goals.

Migration

The current migration emergency is increasingly turning into a global humanitarian crisis. Under this Pillar, the discussion will focus on identifying safe and legal routes for asylum-seekers, addressing the related issues of providing social inclusion, protection and assistance, and efficiently combining counter trafficking policy with the protection of human rights.

Shared Security

In light of the threats posed by the increasing instability in the Mediterranean region, the discussion will focus on the strategies for fighting terrorism and promoting successful post-conflict transitions. The Pillar will also explore possible avenues to implement intelligence cooperation and engage local communities to counter violent extremism and organized crime.

Media, Culture & Society

The topic of primary interest will be the central contribution made by cultural dialogue in the relations between the two shores of the Mediterranean. The debate will assess the role that the media may play in overcoming misperceptions and the contribution of young people and women to developing responsible socio-economic engagement.