UfM Secretary General speaks at the 16th Dubrovnik Forum 2023 and Engages in Bilateral Talks with Prominent Officials

7-8 July 2023, Dubrovnik – UfM Secretary General, Nasser Kamel, attended and spoke at the 16th edition of the Dubrovnik Forum 2023, entitled “Navigating the global reshuffle”, upon invitation by Mr. Gordon Grlic Radman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia.

The Secretary General participated in the panel “The Mediterranean and Beyond: Strengthening the Bonds,” presenting UfM’s position on regional and global contexts. The focus was on promoting regional cooperation through concrete projects to address geopolitical and economic changes. Key topics discussed included migration, climate change, and economic integration. The Secretary General also highlighted the progress of regional integration in the Mediterranean, referencing the OECD report. Emphasizing the potential for renewable energy production and interconnection projects between Mediterranean shores, it was noted that these initiatives would drive economic growth and generate employment opportunities in the region.

During the Forum, the Secretary-General also engaged in bilateral discussions with various Ministers and heads of delegations. They deliberated on the ongoing UfM reform, preparations for the next Regional Forum, and the progress of projects and initiatives supported by the UfM Secretariat. Noteworthy attendees included the Foreign Ministers of Croatia and Italy (Mr. Antonio Tajani), the Deputy MFA of Turkey (Mehmet Kemal Bozay), the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe (Mrs. Marija Pejcinovic Buric), the President of the EBRD (Mrs. Odile Renaud-Basso), the Deputy MFA of Bosnia (Mr. Josip Brkic), and other Ambassadors representing their respective countries.

The meeting allowed for a briefing to the Ministers on the ongoing reform process led by the Co-Presidency, UfM Secretariat, and Member States. The aim is to equip the Union for the Mediterranean with necessary tools and a mandate to address evolving regional and global contexts. The SG emphasized the importance of unified efforts from all Member States to ensure a successful Regional Forum, marking the 15th anniversary of UfM, scheduled for November 2023 in Barcelona.