EuroMedAI at the 5th UfM Digital Transformation Conference in Antalya

As the 5th Union for the Mediterranean Digital Transformation Conference wraps up in Antalya, Türkiye (20–21 May 2026), EuroMedAI is grateful to have contributed to this important Euro-Mediterranean dialogue on digital transformation, skills, innovation, and inclusive growth.

A Timely Opportunity to Raise the AI Divide

For EuroMedAI, this gathering was a timely opportunity to shed light on a critical issue we highlighted last year through our comparative report on the AI and digital divide across nine Southern Mediterranean countries: the future of digital transformation in the region will depend not only on technology, but on people, skills, institutions, and the ability of local ecosystems to participate meaningfully in the AI economy.

The discussions in Antalya — from digital skills and job creation to e-governance solutions, ecosystem networking, and visits to innovation spaces such as Antalya Technopark — strongly reaffirmed that the Mediterranean needs a more coordinated approach to bridge divides in:

• Talent development and digital skills
• Access to AI infrastructure and applied innovation
• Entrepreneurship and business support for SMEs and startups
• Public-sector digital transformation and citizen-centered e-governance
• Inclusive opportunities for youth, women, and civil society actors

Towards Concrete Mechanisms for Southern Mediterranean Ecosystems

In this context, EuroMedAI believes that stronger alignment between a future Mediterranean AI Fund, the New Pact for the Mediterranean Action Plan, and the UfM’s digital and economic cooperation strategy could help turn policy dialogue into concrete support mechanisms for Southern Mediterranean ecosystems.

Such joint efforts can help ensure that AI and digital transformation do not widen existing inequalities, but instead become tools for:

• Shared prosperity across both shores of the Mediterranean
• Inclusive job creation rooted in local talent and context
• Regional cooperation grounded in mutual benefit

Our Appreciation

We extend our appreciation to the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat, the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO), the Kumluca Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the European Union, and all speakers and participants who contributed to this meaningful exchange.

The Mediterranean has the talent, the creativity, and the urgency. What is needed now is coordinated investment, inclusive governance, and concrete mechanisms to ensure that digital transformation benefits the whole region.

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