18 September 2024, Helsinki, Finland. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in collaboration with the European Commission and key regional partners, successfully concluded the Mediterranean Youth Forum: Building Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. Held from September 16-18, 2024, in Helsinki, the forum brought together over 140 participants, including young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and private sector representatives from across the Mediterranean region. This three-day event emphasized the importance of engaging youth in driving social innovation, digitalization, and sustainable economic recovery. The forum builds upon the UfM’s commitment, as outlined in the Marrakech Ministerial Declaration, to leverage youth potential for inclusive growth, innovation, and green recovery…. read more
11 June 2024, Dead Sea, Jordan. Union for the Mediterranean Secretary General Nasser Kamel took part in the “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” conference today in Jordan, where he stressed the Euro-Mediterranean intergovernmental organisation’s readiness to play an active role as soon as early recovery can start in Gaza/Palestine. Organised by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Nations, the UfM Secretary General was among the heads of states and governments and representatives of international organisations, financial institutions and nongovernmental organisations at the event to identify Gaza’s humanitarian assistance needs, how… read more
15 May 2024, Berlin, Germany – As the partnership between the UfM Secretariat and the German Development Cooperation enters its 6th year, the UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel embarked on a working visit to Berlin, Germany, where he held meetings with Mr. Carsten Schmitz-Hoffmann, Director General for Europe, Mediterranean and Central Asia at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). UfM Secretary General Kamel praised the modality of GIZ’s engagement as a team fully integrated into the UfM Secretariat, setting an example that has been attracting other donors and development cooperation agencies. In reply, Mr. Schmitz-Hoffman highlighted the important role… read more
17-18 April 2024, New York, USA – The Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Nasser Kamel, took part in a discussion in the UN Security Council on April 17 on the role of young people in countering Mediterranean security challenges. He was invited to participate by Malta, which holds the rotating presidency of the chamber during the month of April. The Mediterranean is home to various challenges, mirroring those experienced globally, including political instability, socio-economic inequality, and transnational threats. As traditional responses fall short, a holistic approach is essential, with youth engagement being central particularly in peace… read more
13 March 2024, Paris – The Mediterranean is more than ever at the heart of the political agenda. Indeed, with the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and the rising tensions in the region, it becomes ever more challenging to continue efforts to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and its sole multilateral framework: the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). In that context, the UfM Secretariat joined forces with the Paris School of International Affairs of Sciences Po, leading university ranking amongst the top 3 institutions globally for “politics and international studies” since 2019, and the French Ministry of Europe and… read more
Closing gender gaps in the MENA financial sector: towards women-led business development took place on March 6 and 7 in Cairo. 100 public and private sector participants engaged in strategic discussions and activities aimed at fostering inclusion in the predominantly male world of business. The conference featured six panel discussions and interactive roundtable talks on strengthening the role of women in the sector as well as an award ceremony for innovative women-led startups and a matchmaking session for founders and investors. Under 5% of businesses in the MENA region are led by women, around 20 percentage points below the global… read more
The resilience and adaptability of ports and shipping are vital for transport connectivity, enhanced regional integration, and for addressing longer-term sustainability goals. “MARLOG 13” addresses the latest trends and innovations in sustainable and resilient green blue infrastructure in ports and logistics. The UfM-supported Blue Mediterranean Partnership will support transition to a sustainable blue economy in the Mediterranean region. 3-5 March 2024, Alexandria, Egypt. The 13th edition of the International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference “MARLOG 13” held in Alexandria, Egypt on 2-5 March 2024, addressed the latest trends and innovations in sustainable and resilient green blue infrastructure in ports and… read more
22 February 2024, Barcelona – Representatives of UfM Ministries of Foreign Affairs gathered last week for their first Senior Officials meeting of 2024, to review the situation in the region, and discuss next steps for the UfM reform. In 2023, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the organisation, a reform process was launched to enhance the role, functioning and impact of the UfM in the region. Following the first package of measures adopted last year, new elements regarding the mandate and resources of the organisation will be discussed. Further to that, UfM Senior Officials received an update on… read more
13-14 February 2024, Split, Croatia. – The UfM co-organised with the Croatian National Bank, the Banco de España, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), the 8th Annual Conference of Mediterranean Central Banks, which took place in Split, Croatia, on 13 and 14 February. This conference served as a pivotal platform for the exchange of invaluable insights, the sharing of expertise, and the cultivation of cooperation among Central Bank Governors and other experts from the Mediterranean region. Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) delivered introductory remarks alongside Boris… read more
The discussion centred around the Mediterranean region’s current affairs and UfM initiatives such as the Day of the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue. Both parties emphasised the importance of culture and intercultural dialogue in promoting a positive and cohesive agenda across the region, and the strengthening of organisations such as the Anna Lindh Foundation. Barcelona, 15 February 2024. UfM Secretary General, Nasser Kamel, and the Spanish Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, discussed the pivotal role of culture and intercultural dialogue in bridging the Mediterranean’s diverse divides. They highlighted key UfM initiatives designed to enhance intercultural dialogue… read more
