COP 28 Side-event

9 and 10 December 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In the framework of the upcoming COP28, taking place in Dubai from November 30^th to December 12^th, the UfM is co-organizing two side-events tackling water issues and, specifically, the interconnected cross-cutting themes of  water – energy – food and ecosystem (WEFE).

To address these four interconnected cross-cutting themes at the Mediterranean level and provide concrete solutions and answers, the Union for the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean Climate House Foundation co-organize a side event which proposes a new ambition for local authorities and frontline communities for climate action in the Mediterranean through the water – energy – food and ecosystem (WEFE) nexus approach on 9^th December from 15:00 to 16:30 hours in the RCREEE Pavilion – Blue Zone.

This side event capitalizes on MedCOP Climate 2023 organized by the MCC and the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council (Région Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima or RTTH) in June 2023 in Tangiers, Morrocco and entitled: From COP27 to COP28, driving climate action in the Mediterranean at the local and regional levels. More specifically it builds on the WEFE nexus thematic hub held during MedCOP which gathered hundreds of Mediterranean stakeholders.

In a global context characterized by the need to accelerate climate action in order to meet the objectives of mitigation, adaptation, and mobilization of financial resources, including for loss and damages, the WEFE nexus offers new solutions that recognize the interdependencies between water, energy, food and ecosystems.

This side event aims at shedding some light on the challenges and conflicts that arise from the competition of these shared resources, particularly in the context of growing population, urbanization and climate change. It also seeks to address opportunities of creating synergies between WEFE components. Moreover, it will put an emphasis on empowering local actors and fostering green and blue financing and investments as catalysers to the creation of thousands of jobs, that will eventually increase the resilience of the region and will foster peace and stability.

On the same vein of work, a second side event about the WEFE NEXUS: Towards a Resilient and Prosperous Future in the Era of Climate Change will be held on 10^thDecember from 9:30 to 11:00 hours in the Moroccan Pavilion – Blue Zone. Co-convened with the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Water alongside international organizations such as GIZ, World Bank, World Water Council, and the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), the side-event will provide a comprehensive platform for addressing the Water, Energy, Food, and Environment (WEFE) Nexus and its implications for climate change adaptation and sustainable development. The event will be structured around three main themes: Exchanges and Progress, Guiding Frameworks, and Support and Sustainability. These themes will delve into the interactions of the Nexus and their impact on the climate, present the latest technological advances in improved management of the Nexus, and examine innovative financing approaches to catalyze and sustain sustainable Nexus projects. The event will also feature discussions on regional policies and specific initiatives within Nexus, addressing the structuring and financing of distinguished projects in this sector. The expected outcomes of the event include establishing a consensus among participants on the importance of multisectoral collaborations, recognizing the need for innovative and sustainable financing for WEFE Nexus initiatives, and defining guidelines for integrating WEFE Nexus principles into policy and governance frameworks, with a commitment to developing policy recommendations and concrete actions to follow.

All the information regarding these side-events and others co-organised or in partnership with the Union for the Mediterranean may be found here in the Mediterranean Coalition webpage.