The sixth MEM Summit Summit kicks off

The sixth Middle East Mediterranean (MEM) Summer Summit, a platform for encounter and dialogue promoted by Università della Svizzera italiana, kicked off on Thursday, 17 August. During the nine-day Seminar, which will end on Friday, 25 August, 40 young change-makers, chosen from a pool of 500 applicants from over 25 different countries, will meet experts and participate in workshops in a safe space to foster open dialogue to think about the future of this region. Closing the MEM Summer Summit, a public Forum which will take place on Saturday, 26 August. The Forum will be open to the public and will feature discussions among institutional figures, political figures, academics, and intellectuals. The topics of discussion will range from the current geopolitical situation to climate change, addressing the most pressing issues and challenges related to the Middle East Mediterranean region.

Università̀ della Svizzera italiana launched the MEM Summer Summit in 2018 in collaboration with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, its lead partner. MEM is an acronym that stands for the Mediterranean and Middle East region, which spans from Morocco to Iran. This area is diverse and complex, with a unique mix of cultures and politics that are constantly evolving. The MEM Summer Summit strives to create innovative ideas, diverse perspectives, and new projects that bridge the gaps between different communities across the region and beyond. The summit also provides a platform for young change-makers to participate and contribute their ideas actively. Additionally, it serves as a testing ground for civil society initiatives and proposals before they progress to more formal and institutional levels.

The Seminar opened with official greetings from USI General Secretary Giovanni Zavaritt and MEM project leader Federica Frediani. Among the speakers who will tackle various issues with the young change-makers are Michele Bernardini, professor of Persian Literature and History of the Ottoman Empire and Medieval and Modern Iran at L'Orientale University in Naples; Fabrice Balanche, political geographer specialising in the Middle East and professor at Lyon II University; Jean-Louis Romanet, researcher and consultant in international cooperation and development and director of the North African Policy Initiative; Lorenzo Cantoni, professor in the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society at USI, Eleonora Benecchi of the Institute of Media and Journalism at Università della Svizzera italiana, Serena Tolino, professor of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and co-director of the Institute for the Study of the Middle East and Muslim Societies at the University of Bern, climatologist Azzam Alwash, who has practiced in the environmental and geotechnical fields for more than 20 years, and Seraina Eldada, who supports dialogue processes within the Diplomatic Dialogue Unit of the Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP). Giulia Mugellini, a researcher at USI's Public Integrity Research Group, Monica Gugolz, MEM programme manager, and Manuela Barreca, a researcher and lecturer at USI's Public Management and Policy, will also be present.

The Forum

Just like in previous years, the MEM Summer Summit 2023 Forum will gather institutional figures and policymakers to highlight the strategic and cultural significance of the Middle East Mediterranean region. Despite its geographical unity and proximity, the region is diverse and culturally rich. Collaborative projects and initiatives among various actors in the region will be emphasised to promote mutual understanding. Young change-makers will have a chance to exchange ideas with esteemed representatives and experts and present proposals developed during the Seminar.

After official greetings by USI Pro-rector for education and students' experience Lorenzo Cantoni, Lugano City Council President Morena Ferrari Gamba, State Councillor Marina Carobbio Guscetti, and a video message from Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, the proceedings will continue with four panels dedicated to the current geopolitical situation in the region, the role of culture between dialogue and diplomacy, the challenges and opportunities of climate change, and future scenarios for the Mediterranean Middle East.

The Forum will feature, among others, H.E. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco; Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamedou, Deputy Director of the Graduate Institute of International and development studies in Geneva and professor of History and International politics; Karim Emile Bitar, professor of international relations and director of the institute of political science at Saint Joseph University of Beirut; Cinzia Bianco, researcher on the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf, European Council on Foreign Relations for Italy; and Matteo Legrenzi, professor of international relations at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Also present will be Maurizio Bona, former advisor to the Director General of CERN and professor at the University of Pavia; Renee Hattar, Director of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies in Jordan; Adnan Tabatabai, CEO, CARPO - Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient, Germany as well as, of course, representatives of young change-makers.

The detailed programme of the Forum is available on the MEM Summer Summit website.

Once again, for this sixth edition, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) enjoys the vital support of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation (Middle East and North Africa Division), Canton Ticino, the City of Lugano and the Media partnership with SRG SSR - RSI.