Rabat, Morocco – The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), located at the prestigious Rabat Campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, recently hosted a high-level seminar on «Economic Diplomacy as a Lever for Regional Integration in the Euro-Mediterranean Region.» Distinguished leaders and experts from various fields convened to deliberate on the pressing issues facing the region amidst the dual challenges of the pandemic crisis and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The seminar, held in the context of a rapidly changing global landscape, aimed to address the immense opportunities and challenges presented by evolving economic blocks and geopolitical ambitions. Governments across the world are recognizing the need to reevaluate and strengthen their economic diplomacy strategies in order to foster meaningful growth and collaboration within the region and beyond.

Central to these discussions was the role of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in promoting regional integration through various modalities. The UfM’s goal is to build consensus on regional agendas in the Mediterranean region, fostering win-win economic development models that lead to sustainable growth. Simultaneously, the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) sought to contribute to economic and social public policies that redefine the narratives of the global South, especially in the Mediterranean and South Atlantic basins, as part of a forward-looking approach to international relations.

At the heart of the seminar was the idea that economic diplomacy can act as a catalyst for regional integration, particularly in the Euro-Mediterranean region. This integration is envisioned to be based on inclusive economic models and cross-border collaboration, aiming to harness the collective potential of nations in the region.

Maria Helena de Felipe, Vice President of the External Relations Section at the European Economic and Social Committee, played an important role in the event. As a prominent advocate of economic diplomacy, her insights brought a unique perspective to the Roundtable titled «Which Economic Diplomacy for which Mediterranean Integration?» Alongside her peers, she examined strategies to leverage economic diplomacy as a driver for greater cooperation and convergence in the region.

The Roundtable was skillfully moderated by Mohammed ElRazzaz, Head of Sector at the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat. Under his guidance, the discussions delved into key themes, including the importance of developing tailor-made economic diplomacy approaches to address the Mediterranean’s specific integration challenges.

The seminar concluded with a collective determination to strengthen economic diplomacy efforts and regional partnerships in pursuit of common prosperity. As Morocco continues to be a leading proponent of economic diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean region, the country reaffirms its commitment to driving cross-border collaboration and inclusive economic growth.

The high-level seminar at the Policy Center for the New South served as a timely reminder of the pivotal role economic diplomacy plays in fostering regional integration. By bringing together experts, leaders, and advocates like Maria Helena de Felipe, the event encouraged a renewed commitment to harnessing the region’s potential for a prosperous and interconnected future. As the world grapples with transformational challenges, the importance of diplomatic collaboration cannot be overstated, and the seminar’s outcomes promise to shape a more integrated and resilient Euro-Mediterranean region for generations to come.

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