Youth: a key driver to reverse climate change in the Mediterranean region
- The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) today hosts the first General Assembly of the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network (MYCN) in Barcelona.
- The MYCN carries out actions to fight climate change in order to promote awareness, advocate solutions, share experiences and support local initiatives.
Barcelona, 24 February 2017. The MYCN was founded at MedCOP Climate 2016 with the support of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al-Hoceima Region and the UfM and is a network of seven youth associations in the Mediterranean region which are deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on the region. They are highly motivated to take priority actions and contribute to international and regional climate forums.
The MYCN signed the Charter of the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network on 15 November 2016 at COP22 in Marrakech. As stated in the Charter, its main objectives are promoting awareness, advocating solutions, sharing experiences and supporting local initiatives, all of which foster regional integration and ultimately contribute to peace and stability in the region.
“Generating job opportunities and fighting climate change are among the top priorities for young people. Young people can act as a driving force for sustainable development if we all work together. That’s why we have created the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network with the support of the UfM, a place to share ideas and implement tangible action, putting the Mediterranean region at the forefront of the movement in support of sustainable development,” said Imene Bouchair, the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network representative at the second UfM Regional Forum held on 23-24 January in Barcelona.
The UfM strongly supports youth-driven initiatives such as the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network. The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean recently organised the second UfM Regional Forum which focused on young people as a driver for stability and development. Young people are the region’s most valuable asset and must be at the heart of the Mediterranean agenda.
The seven founding assotiations of the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network are:
