Comprising over 70 per cent of land use in most cities, housing is evidently central to future cities and urban development. Housing is central to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11: ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Access to dignified housing is recognized in various fundamental human rights texts, and by several national constitutions. Dublin, 15-16 May 2024. The Third Meeting of the UfM Thematic Working Group on Affordable and Sustainable Housing held in Dublin, Ireland on 15-16 May 2024, shared successful policy measures to boost housing affordability and ensured a comprehensive overview of national… read more
16 May 2024, Lisbon, Portugal. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and NOVA University of Lisbon, in collaboration with the Portuguese National Erasmus+ Agency, organised the UfM Higher Education Stakeholders’ Meeting, which took place on 16 May 2024 in Lisbon. The event was attended by approximately 40 participants, including university rectors and directors of regional higher education networks. The opening of the event featured remarks from Fernando Alexandre, Portuguese Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, João Sàágua, Rector of NOVA University, and Itaf Ben Abdallah, UfM Senior Advisor on Higher Education and Research. Additionally, there were online contributions from representatives… read more
15 May 2024, Barcelona, Spain. – The 7th meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean’s Regional Platform on Trade and Investment was held at its headquarters in Barcelona. The event gathered senior trade officials from across the region along with various international organisations involved in European Union-funded cooperation projects. The meeting was inaugurated with speeches from Ms. Mercedes Bonet, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission, and Ms. Wafa Jiris, Director at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply of Jordan, who co-chaired the session. Mr. Abdelkader El Khissassi, Deputy Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, also… 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
12-14 May 2024. Madrid, Spain. The UfM Secretariat, with the support of the German Development Cooperation and in collaboration with Climate & Company, a leading Sustainable Finance Think Tank in Germany, organised a Workshop on Sustainable Investment in Madrid from May 12 to 14, 2024. The event provided a unique platform for prominent experts and stakeholders from the region to present and discuss policy measures and mechanisms aimed at enhancing investment sustainability. Key focus areas included green taxonomies and ESG disclosure regulations, and their implications for UfM countries. Abdelkader El Khissassi, UfM Deputy Secretary General, inaugurated the Workshop, highlighting its… read more
Collaboration for Inclusive Progress: UfM, CAWTAR, AECID, GWP-Med, and Prima Lead Online Event on Gender Dynamics in the Mediterranean Driving Empowerment: Business-Centric Strategies for Gender Equality in the WEFE Nexus Insights from the Mediterranean: Key Priorities for Advancing Gender Equality and Resource Management May 13, 2024. Barcelona, Spain – The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in partnership with the Center for Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Global Water Partnership-Mediterranean (GWP-Med), and Prima, co-hosted a key online event to explore “Gender Dynamics and the WEFE Nexus” across the Mediterranean. The Water,… read more
Nouakchott, 9-10 May 2024. The fourth and last “UfM Workshop on Urban Heritage and Traditional Building Skills in the Southern Mediterranean Region” gathered experts from the region to explore innovative solutions rooted in traditional construction methods in Nouakchott, Mauritania on 9 and 10 May 2024. This is part of an approach dedicated to enhancing the resilience of local heritage and fostering discussions on sustainable building practices in the face of climate challenges. Organised in collaboration with UNESCO Regional Office for Maghreb Countries and the Mauritanian Ministries of Housing and Urban Planning and of Culture, with the financial support of the… 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
16-18 April 2024, Timimoun and Adrar, Algeria – Over the course of three days, the “UfM Workshop on Urban Heritage and Traditional Building Skills” convened national and international experts to explore innovative solutions using traditional construction methods, with a focus on local materials and vernacular techniques. This initiative aims to bolster the resilience of local heritage and discuss sustainable approaches to rebuilding, adapted to climate challenges. Organised in collaboration with UNESCO Regional Office for Maghreb Countries and the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Algeria, with financial support from the German Development Cooperation, the workshop is part of a series… read more
16-18 April 2024, Brussels – The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the European Commission announced the launch of the Euro-Mediterranean Hub for Research and Innovation (R&I) during a series of R&I events held within the framework of UNIMED Week in Brussels. This groundbreaking initiative aims to serve as a pivotal platform for learning and collaboration, fostering Mediterranean cooperation while advancing the UfM Regional Policy Dialogue on R&I. The Hub will play a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of R&I roadmaps focusing on critical areas such as health, renewable energies, and climate change. The newly inaugurated portal, accessible at… read more
