Med Youth Lab : Hackathon euro-méditerranéen à l'UEMF

70 young people from 21 nationalities gathered at UEMF for a Euro-Mediterranean Hackathon co-organized by UEMF, the Union for the Mediterranean (UpM), German Development Cooperation, and the Anna Lindh Foundation.

The Euromed University of Fes hosted, from November 25 to 29, in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the Anna Lindh Foundation and the European Institute of the Mediterranean, the UfM Med Youth Lab 2024, a dynamic hackathon that took place over five days.

The UfM Med Youth Lab 2024 was marked by exceptional cultural richness. To the 50 nationalities already present at Euromed University of Fes were added 70 young people aged 18 to 29, from 21 nationalities from the southern Mediterranean region and the European Union, illustrating UEMF's international and inclusive vocation.

During four days, participants worked in teams to design project proposals focused on three major themes, reflecting the priorities of the UfM Youth Agenda:

• Green skills : develop know-how for a sustainable ecological transition to respond to climate and environmental challenges.
• Mobility and youth employability : Promote cultural exchanges, improve employability and acquire new professional skills.
• Youth engagement in multi-stakeholder dialogue : Encourage young people's involvement in political discussions with governments, businesses and civil society.

A final pitch session was held in the UEMF conference center, in the presence of the President of UEMF, Pr. Mostapha Bousmina and H.E. Mr. Nasser Kamal, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, where the young participants presented their projects.

As co-organizer and host of the event, UEMF provided participants with an ideal setting that not only enabled the Hackathon to take place but also fostered enriching exchanges with the University students. This synergy encouraged mutual understanding, the sharing of innovative ideas and the creation of strong bonds among young Euro-Mediterranean leaders, illustrating the crucial importance of regional cooperation to strengthen young people’s skills and equip them to face tomorrow’s challenges.