University EUROMED of Fes (UEMF), Morocco
15-16 September 2022
The Conference, organized by the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes (UEMF) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), concluded today with a series of dynamic and insightful panel discussions, which highlighted the significance of science-for-policy dialogue and advice in the region.
Science and policy are intersecting domains that mutually influence each other in the process of decision-making – their interaction much needed in the face of complex policy challenges of our age (climate change, pandemic, demography, changing global markets, digitalization and urbanization). However, the existence of science-policy interfaces in the Euro-Mediterranean region and their potential for enhancing regional integration have been little explored. Therefore, the Conference was held to stimulate regional movement in this regard, by sharing knowledge, mapping ecosystems at national and regional level, as well as engaging stakeholders.
The Conference kicked off on Thursday 15 September with EMUNI hosting sessions for its Management Board and the EMUNI Senate, which was then followed by the Annual Conference of the EMUNI General Assembly, and was attended by 110 members of the University’s network, spanning 19 countries.
Left: Prof. Michèle Gendreau-Massaloux, Chairperson of the EMUNI Management Board and Member of the UEMF Management Board
Management Board members Prof. Moustafa Bousmina, President of UEMF, and Ambassador Hatem Atallah
EMUNI Senate members from left to right: Prof. Dr. Lotfi Ben Romdhane, Prof. Salim Bounou, Assoc. Prof. Karim Moustaghfir, Prof. Dr. Rouchdy Zahran 
EMUNI General Assembly
Prof. Dr. Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, EMUNI President, addressing the attendees 
The EMUNI team with Amb. Álvaro Albacete, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Higher Education and Research, UfM
On Friday 16 September, the Conference focused on its core theme: Science-Policy Interface in the Euro-Med, with the opening of the session inaugurated by 4 key figures representing the hosting institutions: Prof. Moustafa Bousmina, President of UEMF; Prof. Dr. Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, President of EMUNI; Amb. Álvaro Albacete, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Higher Education and Research, UfM; and Prof. Michèle Gendreau-Massaloux, Chairperson of the EMUNI Management Board and Member of the UEMF Management Board.
The following panel discussions were held, each with 4-5 speakers and a moderator, with a roundtable discussion format used to promote lively interaction:
Panel 1: National science-for-policy ecosystems and platforms: opportunities and challenges
Panel 2: Regional science-for-policy structures: Are they fit for purpose?
Panel 3: Internationalization at Home – Science and Policy to Serve 21st Century Learning Innovation
Amb. Álvaro Albacete of the UfM and Prof. Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, President of EMUNI 
Speakers were able to join panel discussions by a live link
