Healthcare Hub: A New Strategic Partnership Between MDI and NYU Urban Lab

by | Jul 18, 2025

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The Mediterranean Development Initiative (MDI) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the NYU Urban Lab. This collaboration marks a major step toward transforming Tunisia into a regional hub for healthcare innovation and medical tourism, combining regional insight with global expertise.

At the heart of this initiative is a shared vision: to develop forward-thinking business strategies that support Tunisia’s economic transformation and unlock its full potential.

“Over the next twelve months, we plan to recruit Tunisian experts from MDI to join NYU Urban Lab student researchers and faculty to jointly explore how Tunisia can scale its healthcare ecosystem,” said Professor Matthew Kwatinetz, Director of NYU Urban Lab. “By leveraging NYU’s experience in large-scale urban systems and economic development, from New York to Africa, we aim to co-create pathways for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in Tunisia’s healthcare sector.”

This strategic collaboration will focus on:
• Designing actionable frameworks for sustainable investment in the healthcare sector,
• Promoting entrepreneurship and modernization in medical services,
• Positioning Tunisia as a gateway for regional healthcare solutions.

“This agreement marks a critical milestone in our mission to reimagine Tunisia’s role in the Mediterranean,” said Ghazi Ben Ahmed, Founder and Executive Director of MDI. “By aligning rigorous research with pragmatic investment strategies, we are building the foundation for a dynamic, open, and resilient Tunisia.”

A Stepping Stone for United States -Tunisia Cooperation

This initiative also lays the groundwork for expanding U.S. investment in Tunisia, deepening connections with American academic, philanthropic, and financial institutions. By embedding global standards of innovation, transparency, and opportunity creation, MDI aims to foster lasting partnerships that support Tunisia’s long-term development.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MDI and NYU Urban Lab will pave the way for:
• Joint research programs,
• Inclusive policy dialogues,
• Student and expert exchanges that empower a new generation of Tunisian leaders and entrepreneurs.

An Open Call for Support

Mediterranean Development Initiative and NYU Urban Lab invite foundations, development agencies, financial institutions, and philanthropic partners to join this ambitious effort. Funding and collaboration opportunities are available for those committed to advancing:
• Sustainable development,
• Healthcare innovation,
• Inclusive economic growth in Tunisia and across the Mediterranean region.

Let’s work together to make Tunisia a model for regional healthcare transformation and a beacon of economic resilience.

Ghazi Ben Ahmed

Founder and President

Ghazi Ben Ahmed

Founder and President

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