The Mediterranean is a space where cultures, economies, and people meet, but also a region where global challenges are felt with particular intensity, from climate change and environmental degradation to migration, social inequalities, and democratic fragility. For this reason, the Mediterranean is becoming a key area for the effective implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The iM:PACT – Innovations for the Mediterranean Program, implemented since 2025 by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, is focused on innovations on the Mediterranean by strengthening cross-sectoral and cross-border partnerships as a foundation for the sustainable development of the Mediterranean among Member States of the European Union (MED9 Initiative). The MED9 Initiative brings together nine Mediterranean Member States of the European Union (Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain) with the aim of strengthening political, economic, and social cooperation in the region, particularly in the areas of climate change, migration, and sustainable development, thereby providing an important framework for the implementation of the iM:PACT Programme.
Building on UN Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Programme brings together foundations, research institutions, and civil society organizations from Mediterranean EU Member States to develop innovative and integrated solutions to shared challenges in the Mediterranean.
The Programme brings together partners with complementary knowledge and experience operating in various fields of sustainable development. Eurac Research (Italy) contributes interdisciplinary applied research and expertise in sustainability, governance, regional development, and environmental challenges, ensuring science-based solutions for the development of local communities. YouSea Institute – Institute for Sustainable Development and Youth Participation (Slovenia) focuses on youth engagement, participatory processes, and education for sustainable development, while promoting marine protection and raising environmental awareness. Fundación Empresa y Sociedad (Spain) promotes social innovation and collaboration between the business sector and civil society, as well as successful models of longevity and active ageing, with a focus on the digital transformation of social organizations and lifelong learning. Foundation for the Well-being of Society (Malta) contributes to the development of well-being-oriented policies, public policy dialogue, and civic participation, while implementing youth and community programmes and strengthening capacity and regional cooperation. Portuguese Centre of Foundations (Portugal) strengthens the Programme’s philanthropic dimension by connecting foundations and promoting strategic philanthropy, cross-sectoral cooperation, and initiatives linking climate action and philanthropy.
In addition to these partners, PHILEA and the Anna Lindh Foundation act as horizontal partners, providing support in networking, knowledge exchange, the development of philanthropy, and the strengthening of broader Mediterranean cooperation.
iM:PACT focuses in particular on migration and social cohesion, environmental protection and climate resilience, as well as inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. The Programme promotes approaches based on human rights, inclusiveness, and democratic participation, in line with the principles of the Zadar Declaration “Act4the Mediterranean”.
Although the Program is at an early stage of implementation, its objective is clear: to establish a strong network of Mediterranean partners, develop and test innovative models of cooperation, and contribute to climate resilience, the reduction of inequalities, and the strengthening of social cohesion in the Mediterranean region.
By investing in partnerships, innovation, and inclusive development, iM:PACT contributes to a more sustainable and resilient Mediterranean, a region whose stability and progress are important not only at the regional level, but also global.
