

Financing Mediterranean AI Capacity: Talent, Data, and Compute
Context
In commemoration of the Barcelona Process’ 30th anniversary, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) will convene the 10th UfM Regional Forum under the banner “Together for a Stronger Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.” The Barcelona+30 moment is a region-wide opportunity to shape the next phase of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. In parallel, the EU’s proposed Pact for the Mediterranean, expected to be endorsed in November 2025, sets three pillars that prioritize more integrated and inclusive economies, trusted digital infrastructure, and scaled legal pathways for talent partnerships, with an Action Plan due in Q1 2026.As part of the run-up to these processes, EuroMedAI presented a snapshot of AI capacity across the Southern Mediterranean at a side event during UNGA-80 (September 2025).
About the event
To continue the conversation and broaden participation, EuroMedAI is convening an interactive, multistakeholder dialogue to surface proposed actions and innovative financing pathways that build AI capacity and narrow the region’s AI divide. Structured around three tracks, Data, Compute, and Talent, the session will generate actionable proposals to strengthen AI capabilities across the Common Mediterranean Space.
Through this event, we will inform police makers with actions to be adopted in the framework of the Pact for the Mediterranean, the UfM’s new regional strategy, and complementary national strategies across our Common Mediterranean Space.
BOOK YOUR SPOT!
SPEAKERS #1
Mohamed Kais Dhaoui, AI Hub Analyst, Digital, AI and Innovation Hub, United Nations Development Programme
Silvia Vacchi, Training Development Officer, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Soraya.Kouadri, Senior Lecturer in Computing – AI Governance/Literacy, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
SPEAKERS #2
Khaled Koubaa, CEO, AT Worthy AI & Digital, Governance Architect Ex-META
Catherine Schneider, Policy Researcher at interface Ex, Mozilla and Ex-UNHCR
Menna Badr, Plug and Play Tech Center, Egypte