The MENA Initiative presented at CIHEAM’s Ministerial Meeting

ICARDA participated at the 11th  Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the 13 member states of CIHEAM, held 21-22 September in Tirana, Albania. The high-level meeting focused on the root causes of distress migration and the role of agricultural development and food security in relation to it, with the aim to set in motion an action plan for the Mediterranean – CAPMED 2025.  

The CAPMED 2025 aims to alleviate distress migration through agriculture and rural development, using the synergies between States and international/regional actors for development of the Mediterranean, and funding from public and private resources.

Dr. K. Shideed, Assistant Director General for International Cooperation and Communications, representing ICARDA at the gathering, introduced the center’s longstanding partnership with CIHEAM since 1999, and shared ICARDA’s emerging multi-organization initiative to promote better livelihoods in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. “Sustainable and Resilient Rural Futures and Improved Livelihoods in the Middle East and North Africa” or the “MENA Initiative” will bring together a consortium of partners to focus science, innovation and practical know-how on improving food production and natural resource management in MENA region. The initiative aims to create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth and women through creation of agri-based value chains in rural communities.

The gathered ministers and organizations endorsed the CIHEAM Action Plan for the Mediterranean (CAPMED 2025) committing them to increased knowledge sharing in the region to “manage natural resources, improve sustainable agriculture and food, and to contribute to a better Mediterranean inclusive development.”