EIB: The Marseille Center for Mediterranean Integration (MCMI) is launched today

The World Bank launches, together with the European Investment Bank, the Governments of Egypt, France, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia, and the City of Marseille, the Marseille Center for Mediterranean Integration (MCMI). The Center will facilitate access to best knowledge and practices and improve cooperation to support development policies geared towards greater integration and convergence in the Mediterranean Region.

Development challenges in the Mediterranean region are increasingly complex and have to deal with interdependence in many areas. The Center will offer a platform for public and independent institutions from the region to discuss these challenges learn from each other and strengthen local, national and regional capacities to manage interdependence.

The MCMI areas of engagement include five clusters with 14 programs focusing on:

1. urban and spatial development;
2. sustainable development;
3. transport and logistics;
4. skills, employment and labor mobility challenges including youth and;
5. knowledge economy, innovation and technology.

The MCMI is a World Bank administered platform for multi-partner programs. It will be guided by a 12-member Strategic Council, representing various partners, who will provide strategic orientation.

The City of Marseille is a key partner and can facilitate innovative cooperation by hosting other institutions for Mediterranean cooperation including United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Plan Bleu.