Flash-back on the CallMeBlue Final Conference in Tunis!

From high-level insights to concrete regional experiences, the event proved that collaboration is the cornerstone of a strong Mediterranean Blue Economy.

We opened with a key panel on “Fostering Cooperation in the Mediterranean Blue Economy” with Imed Zammit (WestMED), Anja Detant (CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency), and Lidia Rossi (ForMare), moderated by Elisa Van Engelenhoven (ForMare), outlining the journey and impact of CallMeBlue. A video message from Adriana Salazar (UfM) emphasized how collective effort and knowledge sharing shape a sustainable maritime future.

Takeaway: North–South and South–South cooperation is essential.

SESSION I – Learning Labs on Emerging Maritime Clusters

Moderated by Valentina Di Carlantonio (ForMare), this session gathered leaders driving the future of maritime clusters.
Gregory Yovanof (STRATEGIS) highlighted excellence-driven models, while Emna SOHLOBJI (CMT) presented Tunisia’s expanding ecosystem.
Abdelfettah Herizi(LEANOVATOR – Algeria) and Elizabeth Chapman (CMMA – Spain) shared valuable lessons from workshops in Algeria and Mauritania, showing how cooperation turns knowledge into action.
Inputs from Sarra Boussaidi (ANIMA) on Advanced Learning Labs and Lorella Ciuti (Forum Oceano) on stakeholder engagement reaffirmed the role of learning and collaboration.

SESSION II – North–South & South–South Cooperation: Building Cluster Excellence

Moderated by Leonardo Manzari (WestMED NH Italy), this session showcased cooperation as the basis of cluster excellence.
Colin RUEL (Pôle Mer Méditerranée), Giorgio Ricci Maccarini (Cluster BiG), and Laurence Martin (Federazione del Mare) shared best practices and the value of a common vision.
Nesrine R. ZIAD Ziad (LEANOVATOR) and Emna SOHLOBJI (CMT) showed how transnational collaboration creates concrete local impact and strengthens South–South cooperation.

Closing remarks by Lidia Rossi (ForMare) and Matteo Bocci (EU Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism) reflected on achievements and the path ahead.

Key message:

When institutions and regional actors work together, excellence becomes shared, powering a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable Mediterranean Blue Economy.

Thanks to all speakers, partners, and contributors for making this milestone event possible.