Valencia Forum Seeks Inclusive Dialogue for Mediterranean Economic Futures
The president of Prensa Ibérica, Javier Moll, urged participants at the Mediterranean Economic and Social Forum to foster a productive dialogue marked by broad participation, minimal ideological rigidity, and a spirit of consensus across the two debate days in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. The event, organized by Prensa Ibérica in partnership with the Caixa Foundation, unfolds this Wednesday and Thursday, June 26 and 27, inviting voices from multiple sectors to shape a shared vision for the region.
In his opening remarks, Moll stated a clear objective: to understand reality, name the problems, define potential, and offer reasons that motivate action. The group committed to rigorously analyzing the strengths and needs of the Mediterranean arc to uncover opportunities and point toward new horizons. There was a strong appeal for political actors to engage in constructive dialogue within their parliamentary frameworks, with Moll stressing that the lands and peoples of the Mediterranean arc deserve leaders who reject confrontation, place the general good above partisan interests, and possess the capacity to transform disagreements into mutual understanding.
The gathering highlighted the participation of notable international figures, including American journalist Robert Kaplan, Italian economist Mariana Mazzucato, Israeli diplomat Shlomo Ben Ami, and Nadia Calviño, president of the European Investment Bank. Their involvement aims to turn the discussion into an open, plural window through which to approach a calm, rigorous, and constructive reflection on the aspirations of regions such as Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands. This diverse representation seeks to illuminate policy options and practical steps that can lift regional development while preserving social cohesion and shared prosperity across the Mediterranean arc.
“It is my hope that this gathering will build bridges and, together, help construct a better future for all,” Moll concluded. The event marks the culmination of six months of dialogue that convened experts, government representatives, and business leaders to study every facet of the Mediterranean arc. The region comprises eleven provinces and accounts for a substantial portion of national GDP, underscoring its importance to Spain’s economic health. Over the two closing sessions, the conclusions of a project organized through eight advisory councils—each led by one of Prensa Ibérica’s regional newspapers—will be presented, providing a structured set of recommendations for regional economic collaboration and political cooperation across the country. These councils have gathered insights on infrastructure, innovation, workforce development, and governance, aiming to align strategies with the practical realities of local communities and businesses.
“Prensa Ibérica’s historic ties to the Mediterranean territories position our media group as a suitable conduit for this dialogue,” Moll affirmed, noting that the gathering will elevate authoritative voices and give visibility to the conclusions drawn from the discussions. The forum as a whole seeks to translate dialogue into tangible actions that benefit citizens, economies, and social cohesion across the Mediterranean arc. The emphasis remains on collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive participation that respects diverse perspectives while prioritizing common goals for regional advancement.
Notes for context and attribution accompany the account of the event to reflect its goals for regional economic collaboration and political cooperation, with ongoing updates about the outcomes of the council-driven process. The overall aim is to foster better understanding among governing bodies, businesses, and communities and to chart a path toward shared prosperity for the regions and provinces involved. The emphasis on consensus, practical reform, and a forward-looking agenda reflects a broad commitment to responsible leadership that can translate dialogue into measurable improvements for the Mediterranean arc, its people, and its economies.
[Citations: Prensa Ibérica reports on the event and its goals for regional economic collaboration and political cooperation, with attribution to the organization and participating figures.]