13 May 2026, Rome, Italy – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), with the support of its Centre for Global Studies (CGS), organized a high-level workshop, on the occasion of the Esri Italia National Conference 2026, entitled “Cooperative Security: Leveraging Technological Innovation to Strengthen Security Partnerships in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Regions.”
The initiative builds upon the discussions launched during the high-level workshop “Regions at the Centre – Cooperative Security: Cooperation versus Fragmentation”, convened by PAM, together with CGS and the NATO Defense College Foundation (NDCF), on 11 February 2026 in Rome.
The workshop of 13 May represented the second step of the PAM-CGS ongoing program, aimed at examining the role of technological innovation as a strategic driver for regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. Discussions focused on the transformative potential of emerging technologies in strengthening regional cooperation, fostering economic growth, and supporting more resilient and integrated security architectures.
The event gathered high-level representatives from institutional, diplomatic, military, technological, and security sectors, including PAM Executive Officials; Mr. Emilio Misuriello, CEO of Esri Italia; Mr. Alessandro Politi, Director of the NATO Defense College Foundation (NDCF); Gen. Alessio Nardi, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for security policies and justice; General B. Giuseppe De Magistris, Deputy Director at the Center for High Defense Studies (CASD); Mr. Giovanni Bonati, Advisor on Digital Innovation to the Italian and European Parliaments and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean; and Mr. Claudio Antonelli, Deputy Editor of Il 24OreNextMed.
Participants discussed the promotion of cooperative security approaches as the only viable regional strategy to ensure long-term stability, including through strengthened partnerships between public institutions and the private sector. Particular attention was devoted to the role of technological innovation, as a strategic instrument to deepen security integration and reinforce diplomatic trust across the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions.
The discussions further highlighted the increasing importance of securing critical infrastructure, especially energy networks, data routes and centers, as a central component of national and regional security strategies. Participants also addressed the advancement of investments in generative artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and dual-use infrastructures necessary to preserve the competitiveness and resilience of the region in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
The workshop additionally emphasized the key role of national parliaments and parliamentary assemblies in promoting and implementing legislative and regulatory reforms capable of accelerating innovation processes while ensuring appropriate governance, oversight, and international cooperation frameworks. //