| Feature Story Template  October 2009 - The World Bank, in partnership with the European Investment Bank and in collaboration with the governments of France, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan, launches The Marseille Center for Mediterranean Integration (MCMI) to facilitate access to knowledge, improve cooperation for an enhanced sustainable development and towards greater integration in the Mediterranean Region. MCMI offers a new approach: Joint learning and consolidated partnership
National development strategies today cannot be successful without dealing with integrational pressures and opportunities. Also, interdependence requires different approaches – chief among these is joint learning among the vast array of public and independent actors.
Joint learning can lead to highly leveraged impact on policy and investment choices among governments and independent actors. It would also allow for more innovative approaches to interdependent development. Finally, joint learning can take place through conferences and workshops, original or leveraged research, training and capacity building, and sharing of experiences from all around. MCMI facilitates diversified and effective partnerships It goes beyond the one-dimensional technical assistance as the members are from the eastern, northern, and southern Mediterranean.
Knowledge and joint learning will allow partners to adopt innovative approaches and learn jointly from successes and challenges based on best research and practical experience.
As a platform the Center will promote synergies for multi-partner programs to be more effective and efficient.
The MCMI aspires to be a network among networks, bringing its unique governance structure to support other think tanks and development actors,
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Five clusters currently comprising 14 programs Skills, Employment and Labor Mobility: The Center’s activities will seek to tackle some issues of interdependence in this area, as the standardization of quality measurements in higher education and the definition of job categories which are open to mobility (with implications for skills training). This cluster includes as well a program on youth employment and empowerment. Sustainable Med: This program is of strategic importance relates to water and environment of the Mediterranean Sea, Coastal Zone management, and national water resource management strategies. This cluster includes a major program focused on water and environment, financed by the Global Environmental Facility. What is envisioned is to both high-level consultations on comprehensive strategies, as well as concrete local initiatives, including major investment programs such as a waste water reuse project in Tunis. Urban and Spatial Development: The MCMI has been active in this area and has convened a series of high profile events such as on the World Development Report on Economic Geography, on the World Bank’s regional report on urban issues as well as on cities and climate change, as well as supporting the annual conference of World Urban Research.
Transport and Logistics: A strategy to support adaptation of transport infrastructure would encompass regional integration through transport and logistical platforms as well as raising awareness of potential impacts of climate change. This will also positively affect TRADE Innovation and Technology: This program fosters innovation through the active use of instruments such as science parks, technopoles, and incubators for small and medium enterprises. It aims at training and coaching policymakers and local authorities. The program will share regional and international experience to create a better environment for innovation. Knowledge Economy: This program would provide a platform for the sharing of experiences, policy strategies, case studies, and analytical tools to benchmark countries’ progress.
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