Med Youth Lab: Euro-Mediterranean Hackathon at Euromed University of Fes

70 young people of 21 nationalities gathered at Euromed University of Fes for a Euro-Mediterranean Hackathon co-organized by Euromed University of Fes, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), German Development Cooperation, and the Anna Lindh Foundation.

From November 25 to 29, the Université Euromed de Fès hosted, in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), 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 the Université Euromed de Fès were added 70 young people aged 18 to 29, from 21 nationalities across the Southern Mediterranean region and the European Union, illustrating the international and inclusive vocation of Euromed University of Fes.

Over 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: developing know-how for a sustainable ecological transition to address climate and environmental challenges.
• Youth Mobility and Employability: Promoting cultural exchanges, improving employability, and acquiring new professional skills.
• Youth Engagement in Multi-stakeholder Dialogue: Encouraging the involvement of young people in political discussions with governments, businesses, and civil society.

A final pitch session was held in the Euromed University of Fes conference center, in the presence of the President of Euromed University of Fes, Prof. 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, Euromed University of Fes provided participants with an ideal setting that not only enabled the Hackathon to take place but also fostered enriching exchanges with the University's 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 in strengthening youth skills and equipping them to face tomorrow's challenges.