(5/5) Re-conceptualizing the Mediterranean Partnership: Evaluating the New Pact for the Mediterranean  

The third KAS-MEDAC Alumni Circle 2025 took place in Malta from 26-29 November 2025. This event, titled ‘Re-conceptualizing the Mediterranean Partnership: Evaluating the Prospect of the New Pact for the Mediterranean’ was hosted by the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies and the Regional Program Political Dialogue South Mediterranean of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS PolDiMed). This discussion was held in light of thirtieth anniversary of the Barcelona Process, which launched the Euro-Med Partnership in 1995. 

A key focus of the discussion was the European Commission's renewed policy for regional integration, ‘The Pact for the Mediterranean-One Sea, One Pact, One Future’, which was announced in October 2025. The Pact established a framework built on three interlinked thematic areas, or 'pillars', aimed at creating a Common Mediterranean Space. The first pillar underlined people as the driving force for change, connection, and innovation, with a strong focus on youth; the second focuses on building stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies; and the third addresses security, preparedness, and migration management. 

This alumni circle debated the prospects and challenges of this new framework, reflecting on lessons from past structures and assessing contemporary realities. Discussions addressed whether the new Pact could foster effective partnerships built on co-ownership and shared responsibility, and the possibility of private sector funding and triangular cooperation with Gulf partners becoming a reality.  

(4/5) Knowns, Unknowns and Unknown Unknowns: Scenarios for the Mediterranean Region in 2035

On 20 November 2025, the 2025-2026 MEDAC cohort engaged in a day-long scenario building exercise. Held during the thirtieth anniversary year of the Barcelona Process, this exercise challenged participants to look ahead and envision the possible future of the Mediterranean region.  

MEDAC provided its students, who are indeed the immediate stakeholders of the Mediterranean future where they will be at the forefront of politics and diplomacy, the opportunity to develop foresight skills. This exercise utilised a mix of foresight and transformative scenario-building methods. This approach encouraged participants to engage in out-of-the-box thinking and account for knowns, unknowns and unknown unknowns.   

(3/5) Seminar 'Diplomacy by Destiny'

On 17 November 2025, MEDAC students were privileged to be addressed by Ambassador George Saliba. Ambassador Saliba spoke about his new autobiography ‘Diplomacy by Destiny’, sharing profound insights from his extraordinary diplomatic career. His service included representing Malta as Ambassador to the Arabian Gulf states, Libya, Russia, and the United States of America, as well as serving as Malta's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. His remarkable journey and experiences undoubtedly serve as a powerful inspiration for MEDAC students as they look ahead to their own bright futures.

(2/5) Seminar on International Political and Diplomatic Negotiation   

A three-day negotiation seminar was held by Professor Paul Meerts in November 2025. This dynamic simulation exercise allowed participants to learn from Professor Meerts’ extensive expertise in negotiation as well as diplomatic bargaining and training. The seminar enriched attendees with theoretical perspectives and hands-on experience on political and diplomatic negotiation.  

(1/5) Diplomacy by Networking Conference  

On 24 and 25 March 2025 a seminar on Climate Negotiations was co-organised by the Federal Foreign Office of the Republic of Germany and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies. This seminar was attended by MEDAC postgraduate students and alumni of the Diplomacy by Networking courses on climate negotiations which is training for international diplomats offered by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. During this two-day seminar, the students had a unique opportunity to engage with top experts on climate negotiations who addressed this seminar in person and online.

(5/5) In Conversation with the German Chair Feminist Foreign Policy of the Federal Republic of Germany: A View from Malta

The first In Conversation with the German Chair event was held on 28 November 2024 at the University of Malta. This was a joint event of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies. 

This Conversation served as an opportunity to discuss and debate the concept, implementation, and policy innovations put forward by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Government of Malta, as well as engage in dialogue with academia and civil society on their analysis of the state of affairs in the domain of equality, women’s rights, and inclusion, and their expectations with regard to Feminist Foreign Policy.  

(4/5) ZIF-MEDAC Certificate Program ‘Fundamentals of Peace Mediation’ for Academic Year 2024/5  

The Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) together with the Center for International Peace Operations (Zentrum für Internationale Friedenseinsätze, ZIF) supported by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Embassy of Germany in Malta conducted a three-day “Fundamentals of Peace Mediation” certificate program for the 2024-2025 MEDAC student cohort.  

The students were presented with the foundational concepts of peace mediation and international normative frameworks that elevated peace mediation to the top of the agenda of the United Nations and regional organizations, such as the European Union, African Union, Economic Community of West African States and others. Interactive methodology of the training helped students practice mediation skills through simulation exercises, apply conflict analysis tools to conflict cases, and dwell into the design and implementation of peace processes.

(3/5) International Political and Diplomatic Negotiation Seminar  

Professor Paul Meerts led a two-day negotiation seminar for MEDAC students on 7 and 8 October 2024. The students benefited from Professor Meerts’ vast knowledge on negotiation, diplomatic bargaining and training. The seminar included theoretical insights on political and diplomatic negotiation as well as practical exercises such as workshops and simulation exercises. The seminar was the first practical simulation exercise of the academic year for the 2024-2025 MEDAC students.  

(2/5) ZIF-MEDAC Certification Program for Academic Year 2023/4  

ZIF (Centre for International Peace Operations) and MEDAC (Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies) welcomed the 2023/24 cohort of students at MEDAC to a certification program on the Fundamentals of Peace Mediation from the 5th to the 7th March 2024. The Program sketched out the principles of mediation and the concept of the Dispute Resolution Continuum with the role of Third-Party Intervention in peace processes. The different levels of mediation and their formats were described with diplomatic tracks introduced and placed into the context of negotiation and the stages of conflict necessitating varying approaches. Students then broke out into groups to utilise the three methods to analyse a hypothetical conflict and drew charts depicting their rationales.

The highlight of the seminar was a role-playing simulation in which students were engaged in an exercise to demonstrate and put into practice the principles outlined during the previous days. The concepts of mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution were put into practice and followed by an extensive debrief and evaluation session.

(1/5) KAS-MEDAC Conference: The Euro-Mediterranean Relations Revisited: Southern Neighbourhood Policy of the EU in a Changing Global Order  

A two-day joint seminar was held in March 2024 by MEDAC, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Andrássy University of Budapest. This conference’s discussion was on EU-MENA relations in a changing global order with a focus on the European Union’s neighbourhood policy, particularly its southern partnership.

As part of this conference, a visit was organised to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), whose headquarters are in Malta. EUAA experts and the students participated in an interesting discussion on the work of the Agency and regarding asylum and migration issues within the European Union. On the second day of the conference the students delivered their presentations. MEDAC students shared their findings on the Southern Mediterranean perspective on the European Union while students from the Andrássy University examined Central and Eastern Europe’s relationship with the European Union.

(4/4 ) Seminar on International Political and Diplomatic Negotiation  

On 26 and 27 October 2023, Professor Paul Meerts led a seminar for MEDAC students on international political and diplomatic negotiations. This seminar included theoretical insights as well as various workshops and negotiation simulation exercises regarding strategies of conflict behaviour, conflict mode instruments, behaviour of skilled negotiations and negotiation styles. At its conclusion, students underwent an assessment, and grades were assigned based on their performance throughout the simulation exercise. This seminar was funded by the German Chair in Conflict Prevention and Peace Studies at MEDAC.  

(3/4) Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)- MEDAC Alumni Circle 2023: Euro-Mediterranean relations in changing times – Shifting Alliances and new dynamics

Building on the success of the first KAS-MEDAC alumni circle the second edition of this event was held on the 10th of October 2023. A number of distinguished guests participated amongst which were Dr. Thomas Volk, Director, KAS PolDiMed, Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, Former President of the German Parliament (Bundestag) and Chairman of the Konrad- Adenauer-Stiftung, H.E Ambassador. Tanja I. Beyer, German Ambassador to Malta, Hon. Dr. Angelo Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta and Ambassador Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, Chairman, Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC).  

(2/4) Peace Mediation Training Seminar:

MEDAC’s postgraduate students participate in a  three day peace mediation training seminar led by the Centre for International Peace Operations, 21 - 23 March 2023.

The Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF) Berlin collaborated with the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta to train its postgraduate students who are young diplomats and civil society activists from the Mediterranean region and beyond in the basics of peace mediation in a three-day certificate programme. The multifaceted, tailor-made program included  introductions to the basics of peace mediation, topped by a simulation exercise on the final day. Participants gained insights into the work of internationally renowned peace mediation practitioners and completed an in-depth module on Youth, Peace and Security.

ZIF staff Sebastian Dworack, Head of International Capacity Development Team  and Perle Baillard, Head of Project „Strengthening of Mediation Capacities“, together with Natalia Mirimanova, Senior Mediation Expert, Dr. Edita Tahiri, former Chief negotiator for Kosovo at the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and Anastasia Fusco, Adviser on Youth and Security , OSCE Secretariat engaged with the participants in an interactive, lively and engaging program. the fantastic cooperation.

The training was funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, a stakeholder in MEDAC since 2009, and supported by the German Chair for Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention at MEDAC.

(1/4) Symposium on Neutrality

It was a very enriching experience for MEDAC staff and students who participated in the Symposium on Neutrality organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta on 9 March 2023.

The first panel consisting of Ministry high ranking officials from Malta, Austria, Ireland and Switzerland discussed perspectives of neutrality from the viewpoint of their respective countries. Mr Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at MFET provided a very clear and concise analysis of the relevance of Malta's neutrality in contemporary international relations. MEDAC Chairman Prof. Godfrey Pirotta participated in the second panel which discussed whether neutrality is a hindrance or an enabler to international peace and security, and whether neutral countries can be guaranteed their security in today's world of power politics.

The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Thomas Greminger, former Secretary General of the OSCE & Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

(5/5)  Seminar on Countering Hybrid Threats 

On 14 December 2022, Mr. Rasmus Hindren, Head of IR of the Centre of Excellence on Countering Hybrid Threats, Finland, delivered a keynote address to MEDAC students. Mr. Hindren spoke on the theme of countering hybrid threats and explained how this has increasingly become a complex and dynamic area driven by the new level of interdependencies, the growth in technologies and the sheer pace of the changes which render states and organisations vulnerable. The challenge is not only to detect but also to attribute such threats and for a successful outcome a whole of government and society approach is required. Mr. Hindren spoke of international law vulnerabilities within existing frameworks and the emergence of norms in the cyber domain. 

(4/5) International experts on Negotiation delivered a Seminar at MEDAC

MEDAC consistently advocates diplomacy and negotiation as a means for overcoming divisions, tensions and conflict in the Mediterranean region. It was thus a great pleasure to engage in a joint effort with the Process of International Negotiation Steering Committee (PIN). The German Chair or Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention at MEDAC – PIN Seminar on ‘International Negotiations and the Mediterranean’ was held in Malta on 19 October 2022. It brought together international experts on negotiations Prof. I. William Zartman, Prof. Paul Meerts, Prof. Mark Anstey, Prof. Valerie Rosoux, Prof. Rudolf Schüssler, Prof. Guy Olivier Faure, MEDAC academic staff and MEDAC’s postgraduate students for a most interesting day discussing how to bridge divides in our contemporary world with particular reference to the Mediterranean region.  

(3/5) Processes in International Negotiation (PIN) Seminar

 On 18 October 2022, MEDAC was honoured to host Professor William Zartman who delivered a public lecture on “What Role for Negotiation in the Present World Order?” at the University of Malta. Professor Stephen Calleya welcomed Professor Zartman and other members of the steering committee of the Processes in International Negotiation (PIN). University postgraduate students participated in a thought provoking discussion which was moderated by Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, Holder of the German Chair in Conflict Prevention and Peace Studies at MEDAC.

(2/5) The Launch of the Alumni Circle by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation (KAS) and Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC)  

 Between 13 and 15 June 2022, the Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Regional Program Political Dialogue and Regional Integration South Mediterranean (PolDiMed) and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) jointly organized the first annual KAS-MEDAC Alumni Circle entitled ‘Discussion on the Future of Euro Mediterranean Relations’ in St. Julian’s, Malta. The conference marked the official launch of the KASMEDAC Alumni network for students who receive KAS funding to pursue a Masters at MEDAC and who have successfully completed their Master of Diplomacy (M.Dip.) programme. KAS-MEDAC alumni from the different cohorts along with decision-makers and experts from the Mediterranean region met for the first time in Malta. The envisaged annual event was a great opportunity for the alumni to enrich their list of professional contacts by integrating in the dynamic KAS and MEDAC networks. Moreover, the students were able to exchange views about the most recent developments facing both shores of the Mediterranean, bringing new insights to the debate as young diplomats. 

(1/5) Forms of Violence: Some Current Debates

MEDAC co-hosts Seminar on ‘Forms of Violence: Some Current Debates’ On 8 March 2022, MEDAC students joined students from the Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution of the University of Malta and George Mason University to participate in an academic seminar on ‘Forms of Violence’. The speakers included academics from both institutions as well as George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and Dublin City University. MEDAC was represented by Dr. Derek Lutterbeck, Deputy Director at MEDAC who spoke on ‘Borders and Violence’. Dr. Lutterbeck argued that there has been a shift in violence at borders from direct to structural violence. He also spoke of a new form of violence in ‘the violence of speed’. Dr. Omar Grech, Director of the Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution and lecturer on International Law at MEDAC discussed ‘Human rights abuses as forms of violence’. The opening welcome to the Seminar was delivered by Prof. Stephen Calleya, MEDAC Director. Students and staff had the opportunity to field questions to all speakers.

(6/6) Climate Change takes centre stage at MEDAC Post-Graduate Seminars  

The annual German Chair Postgraduate Seminar this year focused on multilateralism, diplomacy and climate change. The first Seminar took place over 4 sessions in October and November 2021 following COP26 in Paris. The Seminar was followed by a Workshop on COP27 in February 2022 in which MEDAC students in two groups developed policy recommendations on Diplomacy and Climate Change and Youth and Climate Change respectively. 

(5/6) MEDAC working with International Partners: Joint Seminar with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) on the Modern Arab State

On 22 November 2021, the Regional Program Political Dialogue South Mediterranean of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS PolDiMed) and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) organized a hybrid seminar on ‘The Modern Arab State: Ten Years after the Arab Uprisings’ as part of a KAS exchange with MEDAC students and faculty. The seminar was based on a publication of the KAS PolDiMed with the same title and engaged MEDAC students and staff in a dynamic discussion on the evolution of political systems and the political economy of the Arab world, on the role of Arab youth in these changes and on the pursuit of a new Arab social contract.

(4/6) Diplomatic Practice at MEDAC - MEDAC Simulation Seminar on Negotiation Strategies  

MEDAC postgraduate students participated in a two day Simulation Exercise conducted by Prof. Paul Meerts from the Netherlands on 10 and 11 November 2021. The academic exercise provided MEDAC students with a unique opportunity to learn about theoretical insights and practical experiences that are an essential part of negotiations in international diplomacy  

(3/6) MEDAC and the German Embassy in Malta co-organised a high-level event on multilateralism

MEDAC and the German Embassy in Malta co-organized a webinar on ‘A Multilateralism for the People: The German Approach’ on 16 September 2021 which was held at the Valletta University Campus. The German Federal Government adopted a White Paper on the subject earlier in 2021. The webinar aimed at introducing the White Paper as well as at bringing together officials and experts from the largest (in terms of population) and smallest EU state to exchange views on the state and future of multilateralism. MEDAC alumni were also invited to participate.

(2/6) Seminar on Crimes against Humanity  

On 16 April 2021, MEDAC participated in a conference organised by the Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution together with the Faculty of Laws at the University of Malta. The ‘Crimes Against Humanity: Towards a More Comprehensive Approach?’ seminar was opened by the Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Alfred J. Vella and included distinguished speakers from both Europe and the United States, including the Director of the Centre, Dr. Omar Grech, who lectures on the MEDAC programme. MEDAC postgraduate students had a unique opportunity to gain profound insight into the complex dynamics of the concept of crimes against humanity exploring it within the different contexts of food, starvation and conflict; human trafficking; migratory flows, and terrorism amongst others.  

(1/6) MEDAC and ALF organize the 3rd Young Mediterranean Voices Leadership Seminar  

The third from a series of three week-long leadership seminars, was co-organized by MEDAC and the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) in the framework of the Young Mediterranean Voices (YMV) project in January 2021. The Seminar took place over the course of five days from 25 to 29 January 2021 during which the 27 young leaders had unique access to experienced global leaders, EU policymakers, media mentors and influential peer networks from politics, business and civil society. The overall aim of the Seminars is to build the participants’ capacity for shaping policy and media narratives while enhancing their cultural intelligence and leadership skills. 

The 27 young leaders of the third seminar came from 18 countries including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Italy, Libya, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Syria and Tunisia and were selected from around 200 applicants. 

Young Voices - 1st Anna Lindh Foundation New Leadership Seminar
15-18 January 2019
The Seminar was co-organised by MEDAC and the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) in collaboration with the World Leadership Alliance – Club de Madrid (CdM). This was the first of three seminars that will take place in Malta over the next 18 months. The participants were 20 outstanding emerging young leaders from the Euro-Med region, most of whom have founded NGOs and debating clubs in their own countries. The 5-day Seminars have the ambitious aim of preparing a new generation of dialogue leaders in the Mediterranean. The programme included interactive exercises on cultural intelligence, leadership skills training, training on how to communicate with the media and techniques of story-telling, as well as training on how to advocate effectively.

The participants themselves selected themes to focus on throughout the week – Education, Sustainable Development, Youth Participation and Migration and Mobility – and translated them into specific proposals they presented on the last day to a panel of senior leaders/policy makers. Special guest for the seminar, brought to Malta through CdM, was Former Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou. The line-up of trainers and speakers included outstanding international journalists from Europe and the Arab world, former politicians, academics, young policy-makers and NGO activists.

Transatlantic Relations and the Mediterranean Seminar organised by MEDAC
30 November 2018
A postgraduate MEDAC seminar on 'Transatlantic Relations and the Mediterranean' took place on Friday 30 November, bringing together experts from Europe, the United States and the Arab world in an effort to take stock of the current situation and look at ways forward. The seminar, organised by the German Chair for Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention at MEDAC and financed through funds of the German Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, was opened by Amb. Walter Haßmann, German Ambassador to Malta together with the Director of the Academy, Prof. Stephen Calleya. Speakers included Mr. Josef Janning, Head of the European Council on Foreign Relations Berlin Office, Berlin; Dr Antonio Missiroli, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Brussels and Dr. Julie Shedd, Associate Dean, The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution(SCAR), George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Working Group sessions allowed MEDAC's MA students to explore some of the issues in depth. The papers presentated at the seminar will be published in MEDAC's Med Agenda publication series.

'What Future for the Iran Nuclear Deal?' Seminar organised by MEDAC
5 December 2017
MEDAC organised and hosted a post-graduate seminar on the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) from 2015) in Malta on 5 December 2017. The seminar entitled ‘What Future for the Iran Nuclear Deal?’, organised with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs brought together eminent experts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (London), the Institute for Development and Peace (University of Duisburg-Essen) and Fondation our la recherché strategique (Paris) who delivered talks on issues such as nuclear non-proliferation, Iran, and the impact such developments are having on the EU and the Mediterranean region. MEDAC academic staff and Masters students participated throughout the Seminar.

MEDAC participated on the 17th European Diplomatic Programme
17-19 May 2017
On behalf of the Maltese EU Presidency, MEDAC prepared and delivered the participants' programme during the 17th European Diplomatic Programme – Module IV 'Emerging Challenges and Global Issues in Current Diplomacy', in Malta, on 17-19 May. The module included a training programme for diplomats on the themes of Conflict/Security, Sustainability and Economy and Trade. MEDAC was also responsible for the preparation of training programmes on EU decision making, EU networking and on crisis communications, delivered by MEDAC visiting lecturer Dr. Paul Meerts and his colleagues Mara van der Meer and Hans Wurzer.The European Diplomatic Programme is a training programme promoting the idea of common European diplomacy. It is a common project between the EU member states and EU institutions, and is part of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

MEDAC at the MEDFORUM of the Anna Lindh Foundation
23-25 October 2016

MEDAC academic staff and students participated in the 3rd Mediterranean Forum of the Anna Lindh Foundation for Intercultural Dialogue which took place at the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta between the 23 to 25 October 2016. The Forum has been acknowledged as a 'landmark event' in how intercultural dialogue can counteract conflict, extremism, unemployment, and the public discourse on migration and the refugee crisis.  It has helped establish a solid coalition of actors for intercultural dialogue which is now enjoying far-reaching institutional backing, including that of the European Union.

International Academic OSCE Conference
10 November 2015
'Helsinki plus 40: The Mediterranean Chapter and the Future of Mediterranean Co-operation' hosted by MEDAC

The increasingly evident link between European and Mediterranean security, the need for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, to reaffirm the strategic value of its co-operation with its Mediterranean partners as well as Malta's recent proposal of an appointment of a Special Representative for the Mediterranean were the themes explored during a conference co-organised by MEDAC. The Hon. Dr George Vella, Minister of Foreign Affairs and OSCE Secretary General Ambassador Lamberto Zannier delivered the keynote speeches at the start of the academic international conference to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act and its Mediterranean Chapter. Co-organisers with MEDAC were the New Med Network, a network of academic experts on the OSCE and the Mediterranean. The conference focused on the theme Helsinki plus 40: The Mediterranean Chapter and the Future of Mediterranean Co-operation. The conference, opened by MEDAC Director Prof. Stephen Calleya, was attended by more than a 100 participants, including former and current policy-makers and diplomats, academic experts from OSCE countries and OSCE Mediterranean Partner countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Israel), as well as the local diplomatic corps and representatives of other international organisations.

Secretary General of the OSCE Lamberto Zannier noted that 'I cannot think of a more suitable place than Malta to hold a discussion about the long-standing engagement between the OSCE and the Mediterranean.' He emphasised that 'from deploying counter-radicalisation strategies to addressing the refugee crisis, Mediterranean-based issues cannot be relegated to a separate chapter of our work.'

On his part, Foreign Minister George Vella shared an historic account of Malta's role in the inclusion of the Mediterranean Chapter in the Helsinki Final Act and insisted that the threats and challenges we are faced with today point not only to the relevance but also the need, of having a deeper Mediterranean focus within the work of the OSCE. He advocated for the necessary tools to be adopted which would assist in addressing the current threats. 'A Special Representative with a focus on the Mediterranean would bring much added value to our common work,' he said.

In the Helsinki Final Act, signed in 1975, the then CSCE states declared that 'security in Europe is to be considered in the broader context of world security and is closely linked with security in the Mediterranean area as a whole, and that accordingly the process of improving security should not be confined to Europe but should extend to other parts of the world, and in particular to the Mediterranean area'. This analysis, strongly supported by Malta at the time, was revolutionary. In view of the developments and fluid situation in the Mediterranean region today, these words appear more relevant than ever.

The Conference was also addressed by the representatives of Switzerland, Serbia and Germany (the past, current and future OSCE Chairmanship) and Italy on behalf of the New Med Network. The panels focused on the historic dimension of the Mediterranean Chapter of the Helsinki Final Act, the Mediterranean Region in Transition, and the Current State of the OSCE's Mediterranean Dialogue and Prospects for Future Co-operation.

The Conference was supported by the Foreign Office of Germany, the Government of Switzerland, Italy's Institute of International Affairs and the Compagnia di San Paolo International Affairs Program and the OSCE.

Regional Conference of the Outreach of the OSCE Code of Conduct
Tunis, 1-3 September 2015
From 1-3 September, MEDAC in collaboration with the governments of Switzerland, Tunisia and Germany, as well as the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) organised a regional conference on the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security. The conference took place in Tunis and was destined specifically for the countries of the southern Mediterranean region. Following upon the Malta conference of 2013, it marked the first ever conference on the OSCE Code of Conduct to be held in an OSCE Mediterranean Partner for Cooperation. Some 50 participants, mostly from southern Mediterranean countries, attended the Conference.

Participants included (high ranking) military and police officers, civil servants from the defence, interior and foreign ministries, as well as independent experts from think tanks and civil society organisations. Themes discussed at the conference included the OSCE Code of Conduct, in particular its potential role as an outreach instrument, as well as security sector reform and governance issues in the Mediterranean region. The conference was funded by the governments of Switzerland and Germany.

MEDAC Summer Training Course - Migration & Human Rights
9-17 June 2015
MEDAC's annual human rights summer school took place between 9 and 17 June 2015. The theme for this year's summer school was Migration and Human Rights. Topics explored and discussed during the summer school included key concept in human rights, international law and migration as well as case-studies on Malta, Jordan and Australia. As is customary with the MEDAC Human Rights Summer School the learning methodologies comprised a mix of formal lectures, seminars and interactive learning methods using art and drama. A visit to the Marsa Open Centre was also held as part of the summer school. At the Open Centre the participants were addressed by the staff and some of the residents.

Sixteen participants, from across the Mediterranean region and beyond, attended the Summer School. Countries represented included Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan,  Albania, Kosovo. Germany, Italy, Spain , Romania, Australia, Hong Kong and Nigeria. Apart from the very diverse geographical spread the participants also had varied professional backgrounds with diplomats, civil society representatives and postgraduate students discussing human rights issues in an informal environment.