SITES X ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
Africa and the Mediterranean: economic perspective and sustainable development
15-16-17 Settembre 2025
Roma
The X Annual Conference of SITES is organized jointly with the Fondazione Tor Vergata of the University of Rome at Tor Vergata. It will be held at Villa Mondragone, Monteporzio Catone, Rome (Italy) on 15-16-17 September 2025.
MAGGIORI INFORMAZIONI AL LINK.
Africa and the Mediterranean region are closely linked through trade, migration, and investment. The Mediterranean serves as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, making it a critical zone for economic cooperation and geopolitical stability. Africa’s rapidly growing population and economies present significant opportunities for trade and investment, particularly for Mediterranean countries like those in Southern Europe and the Middle East. Both regions face pressing challenges related to sustainable development, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Africa’s vast natural resources, including renewable energy potential, can play a pivotal role in global sustainability efforts, while Southern European countries can share expertise and technology to support sustainable development in Africa. Notwithstanding Africa generates less of 5 percent of global adverse emissions. the Mediterranean and Africa are among the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, the higher frequency of extreme weather shocks, desertification, and sea-level rise threaten agriculture, water security, and livelihoods. Sustainable development strategies are critical to prevent these impacts, fostering adaptation and resilience, and ensuring food and energy security. Africa’s youthful and rapidly growing population contrasts with the aging populations in many Southern European countries bordering the Mediterranean. This demographic dynamic creates opportunities for labor mobility and economic complementarity but also poses challenges related to migration management and integration. Addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty, conflict, and lack of economic opportunities, requires sustainable development initiatives. Collaborative efforts to promote sustainable development can contribute to long-term stability, security and peace in both regions. Southern European countries located within the Mediterranean basin are seeking to strengthen ties with Africa to secure strategic partnerships and access to emerging markets as is the case for Italy and the Piano Mattei initiative. Africa and the Mediterranean are natural partners in addressing these challenges through shared strategies and resources.
The conference aims to provide a forum for development economists at the global level to share knowledge, up-to-date scientific research outcomes and promote an open debate on the above issues and on development theory and the many facets of human and economic development in a peaceful, just and climate friendly society. Strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Mediterranean can foster co-development, political stability and reduce economic disparities.
