On 5 and 6 April 2021, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) actively participated in the Global Parliamentary Workshop hosted in the framework of the 2021 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF. The virtual event provided an opportunity for parliamentarians from around the world to discuss with experts from financial institutions the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the most effective strategies to accelerate a sustainable recovery of the global economy.
On this occasion, PAM was represented by Hon. Ljubica Maksimčuk, Croatia, and by Hon. Maryam Majid Bin Theneya, Hon. Dherar Humaid Belhoul and Hon. Hend Humaid Alaleeli from the delegation of the United Arab Emirates to PAM.
Debates focused on the means of ensuring vaccine equity, the perils of a return to ‘business as usual’, and the tax reforms needed to deliver an equitable growth. In her intervention, Hon. Maksimčuk, highlighted the importance of stronger cross-regional cooperation and solidarity.
Recalling the main policy recommendations that emerged from the Virtual High-level Meeting organized by PAM and TURKPA on 30 March 2021, Hon. Maksimčuk also stressed the need for directing recovery efforts towards green and digital transition strategies. She highlighted that recovery plans represent a strategic opportunity to transform the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions into strategic hubs for solar-power and green hydrogen. In her closing remarks, Hon. Maksimčuk highlighted the need to continue assisting the most vulnerable segments of the population, including those employed in informal and marginal economic sectors, and the key role of tourism and cultural heritage in providing a sustainable revival to the region.
In its contribution, the delegation of the United Arab Emirates to PAM emphasized the importance of the Assembly as a platform to facilitate equal access to recovery funding for all Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf countries. The delegation further remarked the efforts of PAM in developing solid partnerships with international financing institutions and in assisting its Members in accessing alternative and innovative financing systems, such as Islamic Finance and Islamic Philanthropy.
With its participation at this event, PAM reaffirms its close partnership with the World Bank and the IMF and its commitments towards creating a solid science-policy interface for a resilient socio-economic recovery.