The World Urban Forum organized a “Women’s Round Table”, on the theme of actions for the economic development of women in cities. Within the frame work of this meeting, guidelines were developed on the basis of the Gender Equality Action Assembly (GEAA) in relation to the active policies to be adopted. The working sessions involved the participation of grass roots organizations, experts and academics on the subject who collaborate with the UN.

This type of event in Naples is an opportunity for our Region and country to contribute to the network of organizations that work towards empowerment of women through the promotion of exchanges and by giving voice to the need for employment and decision-making of women in the South.
The FONDAZIONE MEDITERRANEO was a major partner at this event and Caterina Arcidiacono introduced the work of the Round Table emphasizing that “gender inequalities and obstacles to the active presence of women are two still very widespread problems in urban areas. Prosperity in cities does not necessarily lead to a more equitable distribution of resources between men and women. Women contribute significantly to the economic wealth of cities, but tend to benefit less from the wealth they generate. To accelerate the achievement of Millennium Development Goals, increased gender equality, empowerment of women and youths is essential; the economic well-being of women and gender equality in a broad sense are closely connected to all development-related themes. Both ownership or control of productive activities (such as land and dwellings) have the advantages, among others, of accelerating development, contributing to overcoming poverty and reducing inequality”.

On that occasion, the Fondazione Mediterraneo organized and carried out other in

The 6^th World Urban Forum organised in Naples by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) also aimed at promoting the role of youths as actors in the development of cities. To this end, on 2 September 2012, the World Urban Youth Assembly dedicated a day to the theme of promoting gender equality.

A solemn ceremony was held for the signature of an important memorandum of understanding between ALECSO (Arab League Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the Fondazione Mediterraneo. It was attended by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, the World President of ICOMOS Gustavo Araoz, as well as ambassadors and representatives of European and Arabic countries.