Jordan Daily – The first-ever edition of Mediterranean Green Week: Towards a Greener and More Resilient Mediterranean, co-organised by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the OECD, kicked off today in Türkiye.
Attracting some 150 public officials, private sector representatives, civil society members and scientists, participants will convene over three days to exchange views on how to collaboratively tackle the region’s interlinked climate, energy and environmental crises, according to a statement.
Following an opening session with remarks from speakers including UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel, OECD Istanbul Centre Head Achraf Bouali, United Nations Environment Programme/ Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinator Tatjana Hema, and Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye Jurgis Vilcinskas, attendees will break out into 20 parallel multi-thematic meeting groups. These will touch upon subjects ranging from the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus to latest developments in hydrogen and other aspects of the renewable energy transition or green funding mechanisms such as the Blue Mediterranean Partnership, a UfM-backed initiative that aims to mobilise at least €1 billion in sustainable blue economy investments in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.
The conference aims to promote a whole-of-society approach to the Mediterranean region’s threats to sustainability by engaging local authorities and supporting the engagement of young people and women to encourage policy-making that aligns with needs on the ground. With the presentation of reports such as the Green Circular Economy at the Mediterranean Level Including Green Skills and Jobs, it will also serve to inform decision-making processes with science-based evidence while helping stakeholders build partnerships and raise awareness of the need for urgent action among citizens.
“The Euro-Mediterranean region is at a crossroads, with ever-present environmental challenges evidencing the need for a more determined and resolute green transition. It is imperative we cultivate sustainability-conscious communities if we wish to face the challenges that lay before us with resilience,” said UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel. “The Union for the Mediterranean will continue to do everything in its power to promote collaborative efforts and forge new partnerships to this end.”
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to address the environmental, energy, and climate challenges the region is facing. It’s a moment for all of us to renew our commitment to promoting sustainable development and cooperation across borders. Let us seize this opportunity to advance dialogue, formulate strategies, and forge partnerships that will drive meaningful change for a resilient Mediterranean,” said OECD Istanbul Centre Head Achraf Bouali.
