The first day of the Mediterranean Economic and Social Forum, organized by Prensa Ibérica with the support of the Caixa Foundation, highlighted the economic strength of the five autonomous communities along the eastern and southern Spanish coast. It underscored the need to improve funding so large municipalities can drive Spain’s technological transformation, anchored in solidarity. The forum completes six months of work coordinated by Prensa Ibérica outlets, analyzing and proposing solutions for the challenges facing Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, and the Region of Murcia.
The Valencia Conference Palace hosts this gathering, which brings together more than a thousand participants from business, academia, and national and international speakers. At the last moment, the event had to cancel the appearance of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, due to the death of his father-in-law. In his place spoke the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, Elma Saiz. The inauguration was led by the president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, and Valencia’s mayor, María José Catalá, who were accompanied by the president of Prensa Ibérica, Javier Moll, and the Director of Institutional Relations at the Caixa Foundation, Sergi Loughney.
Javier Moll opened the first day by stating that the forum aims to understand reality, name problems, define potential, and offer reasons to act through a debate that becomes an open, plural window for a calm, rigorous, and constructive reflection on the aspirations of Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands. Sergi Loughney agreed with the Prensa Ibérica president on the importance of analysis with effective solutions to unlock the five Mediterranean regions’ potential. He added, this is not about riding the Mediterranean’s wave; it is about diving into it and feeling it.
The ongoing conversation emphasized that any country improvement from the arch of the Mediterranean relies on cooperation and solidarity. Mazón reminded attendees that no territory grows in a single direction and that privileging one region over another does not work. The president of the Valencian Government urged that the future must be for everyone; otherwise, there is no future. Málaga’s mayor, Antonio de la Torre, argued for better funding for large cities that act as engines of technological change and high-skill employment.
The forum also highlighted the leadership role the Mediterranean cities could play in Spain’s shift to a digital economy. The goal is to turn these urban hubs into scalable models for innovation and knowledge-based growth. The discussion included how to manage real estate pressures, ensure affordable housing, and connect economic regions through a stronger Mediterranean corridor, with a clear push for green energy in an energy-intensive industrial landscape that requires affordable electricity for competitiveness. Minister Elma Saiz stressed that the Mediterranean corridor is more than infrastructure; it is the backbone of a territory and a key factor for ecological transition. She announced that nine hundred kilometers will be in service by the end of the current term, underscoring a government priority.
The forum featured insights from financial historian and journalist Robert Kaplan, who warned about immigration challenges, noting that the Mediterranean’s influence stretches beyond Southern Europe to the Sahara desert. The event reinforced the importance of Mediterranean cities in Spain’s move toward a digital economy, with Málaga, Valencia, and Barcelona attracting digital nomads and tech firms seeking skilled talent.
Urban planners and architects emphasized that Mediterranean cities are leading the knowledge economy by pursuing smart, talent-driven growth. They warned about gentrification and the need for affordable housing and inclusive development so locals are not pushed out by rising demand and high-wage workers. Local leaders stressed that people choose places for quality of life and a forward-looking mindset. The conversation highlighted a competition for talent on a global scale and the necessity of creating ecosystems that nurture innovation. Experts called for a unified brand for these tech-forward cities, acknowledging successes while pushing for a cohesive, integrated regional strategy that aligns visions across the Mediterranean arc. The dialogue left listeners with a sense that collaboration and a shared vision can steer the region toward a resilient, modern economy grounded in solidarity and sustainable growth. [Citation: Prensa Ibérica coverage]