As part of the Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI) governance reform, which now provides for a rotating presidency among the member countries of the Center, the Kingdom of Morocco has taken on, as of July 1, 2021, the presidency of this strategic center for collaboration between Mediterranean countries. The mandate of this presidency will cover the period from 2021 to 2024. The Kingdom of Morocco thus becomes the first country to chair this regional center, taking over from the World Bank Group, which has been leading the activities of the CMI until now.
"Since its creation in 2009, the CMI has been a real catalyst for knowledge sharing, North-South and South-South exchanges and thematic collaboration between the two shores of the Mediterranean. We are pleased with the designation of the Kingdom of Morocco to the presidency of this center, thus allowing a reinforced ownership of the Center by its members, especially the countries of the southern Mediterranean," says Ferid Belhaj, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region.
The CMI is a space for the exchange of good practices, public policies and solutions to the development challenges of the Mediterranean region. The Center also facilitates the implementation of regional projects responding to the new challenges of an inclusive, green and resilient development in the region.
"Morocco is pleased to assume this mandate at a pivotal moment in the development of the Mediterranean region. During this term, Morocco will work on consolidating the Center’s achievements and deploying new regional programs to ensure greater convergence and contribute to the goal of building an area of stability and shared prosperity in the face of accelerating changes in the post-Covid-19 world" says Mohamed Benchaâboun, Moroccan Minister of Economy, Finance, and Administration Reform (MEFRA).
About the CMI: The Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI) is a platform where development agencies, governments, local authorities and civil society from around the Mediterranean convene to share knowledge, discuss public policies and identify solutions to the challenges facing the region. CMI members are : Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, the European External Action Service (observer), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, the City of Marseille, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank. As of July 2021, the CMI formally joined the United Nations under a UN Operational and Service Support (UNOPS) hosting agreement, and will welcome UN Habitat as a new member.