
ODI MED: towards peace and sustainability in the Mediterranean region
The Mediterranean region is a cultural, historical and commercial bridge between the Arab world, North African countries and Europe. It is a region that suffers from several cross-border challenges related to the long-term implications of wars and conflict, the breakdown of governance and high political volatility.
At the same time, the Mediterranean is a hub of innovation and growth. With rapidly growing economies, and a young, increasingly skilled population, the potential of the region is immense. ODI MED aims to help address these challenges and unlock these opportunities at play in the region.
The initiative focuses on three sub-regions:
- Southern Europe and the Western Balkans
- North Africa
- The Middle East, including eastern Mediterranean countries.
ODI MED examines policy challenges and solutions in sustainable development, peacebuilding and security as well as economic and geopolitical relationships across and between them.
Current areas of focus include state fragility and transnational violence in the Mediterranean, regional approaches to peacebuilding and security, migration and displacement, policies and politics of entrepreneurship and economic growth, and the emerging role of local leaders in fostering more equitable regional cooperation.
ODI MED also seeks to engage with partners directly in the region and publish content in a variety of languages relevant to the Mediterranean.

Stronger together: a new agenda for Africa and Europe in 2021
Our key content
Events
Innovation in Africa-Europe relations beyond Covid-19
In collaboration with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, we launch a series of webinars exploring innovative initiatives to strengthen Africa-Europe relations on migration, mobility and beyond.
The impact of Covid-19 on local peacebuilding in the Middle East
USIP and ODI hold an online conversation looking at the implications of Covid-19 on peacebuilding at the local level in three particular Middle Eastern contexts—Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
Coronavirus and local peacebuilding efforts in North Africa
USIP and ODI hosted an interactive discussion featuring peacebuilding experts and practitioners from North Africa, with a focus on the implications of Covid-19 on peacebuilding at the local level in Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt.
ODI Bites: Africa beyond Covid-19
As a continuation of our previous discussion on Africa beyond Covid-19 we further explore what new approaches and enhanced forms of collaboration will need to be built between Africa, Europe and beyond.
In the media
Sherine El-Taraboulsi-McCarthy on the Yemen crisis
ODI's Middle East expert Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy joins Al Jazeera to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
OPINION: Dealing with COVID-19 in conflict zones needs a different approach
ODI's Katie Peters and Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy discuss the Covid-19 response in conflict contexts.
Marta Foresti discusses European migration policy on Al Jazeera
Marta Foresti, Director ODI Europe, discusses the need for the EU to develop pragmatic solutions to manage migration.
Philanthropy in captivity: counter-terrorism measures and Arab philanthropy
Sherine El Taraboulsi – McCarthy writes about the current environment for philanthropic efforts in Arab world.
The team
-
Marta Foresti
Visiting Senior Fellow
-
Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy
Senior Research Fellow
-
Rachel George
Research Fellow
-
Moizza Binat Sarwar
Research Fellow