27 May 2025, Istanbul. The Union for the Mediterranean is hosting its first Digital Sustainable Week in Istanbul, an event designed to examine the role of artificial intelligence and sustainable investment in advancing inclusive development. As the Mediterranean—and the world—grapples with the seismic shifts brought about by digital transformation, the UfM is gathering policymakers, researchers, business leaders, journalists and civil society from May 26 to 29 to chart a path toward ethical and sustainable innovation in the region. Organised in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the four-day event also spotlights issues relating to gender equality in digital spaces. One of the… read more
21 May 2025, Leipzig, Germany – The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF) and the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), and with the financial support of Sweden (Sida), organised the Official Side Event titled “Effective Qualifications-Based and Gender-Responsive Procurement as a Tool to Enhance the Resilience of Transport Systems” on 21 May 2025 during the ITF 2025 Summit held in Leipzig, Germany. Transport systems in many LMICs remain under development, making the current decade crucial for avoiding inefficient investments and costly retrofitting in the future. Natural hazards cause an estimated USD 15… read more
15-16 May 2025, Matera, Italy. As part of the preparations for the 2026 edition of the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue (MCCD), a joint delegation from the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) carried out a two-day working visit to Matera, Italy, one of the two designated Capitals alongside Tétouan (Morocco). Its objective was to support local stakeholders in finalising the 2026 cultural programme and strengthening its outreach, engagement, and visibility. Over two days of intensive meetings, representatives of the UfM and the ALF met with the team and Board of Directors of Fondazione… read more
16 May 2025, Barcelona. The Union for the Mediterranean was honoured with a Creu de Sant Jordi (‘Sant George’s Cross’), one of the Catalan government’s highest distinctions, in an award ceremony last night at Catalonia’s National Art Museum (MNAC) in Barcelona. This recognition was granted for the UfM’s “outstanding work in promoting cooperation and dialogue among Mediterranean countries.” The UfM was among the 21 individuals and 10 organisations who were recognised this year for their exceptional civic and cultural impact in Catalonia. Headquartered in Barcelona, the UfM strengthens ties between Euro-Mediterranean countries to address common challenges including climate change, gender… read more
Paris, 13 May 2025. The Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Nasser Kamel, took part in the Franco-German Forum on the Mediterranean held in Paris on 12–13 May. The forum, titled “Regards croisés sur les défis et opportunités”, gathered high-level stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and future opportunities across the region. SG Kamel contributed to the opening session on the political stakes and perspectives in the Mediterranean, joining a panel that included senior foreign policy officials from Germany and France as well as leading regional analysts. Over the course of the forum, Kamel engaged in sessions addressing… read more
Kuwait City, 12 May 2025 – As part of Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week, the 5th UfM Energy and Climate Business Forum convened policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs alongside high-level representatives from key institutions such as the European Union, the United Nations’ ESCWA (Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), RCREEE (Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency), GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation), Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), and STC (Saudi Telecom Company). The gathering aimed to drive forward the sustainable energy transition and… read more
07 May 2025, Brussels, Belgium – The 9th meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean’s (UfM) Regional Platform on Trade, Investment and Industry was held on 7 of May 2025 at the European Commission’s premises in Brussels. The event gathered senior officials from across the region, alongside experts from the European Commission, to discuss key regional initiatives across priority areas: regional integration, industrial cooperation, and sustainable trade and investment. The meeting was inaugurated with speeches by Léon Delvaux, Director at DG TRADE, and Joan Borrell, Deputy Secretary General of the UfM. It was co-chaired by Mercedes Bonet, Deputy Head of… read more
Ahead of the 2025 UfM Ministerial on Employment and Labour, representatives of the UfM Member States convened in Porto to take stock of milestone in the implementation of the 2022 Marrakech Declaration, to discuss the key findings of the UfM Community of Practice on Monitoring, and to exchange best practices on Youth Employment ahead of the coming Ministerial. The UfM Region faces several employment-related challenges in the aftermath of major socio-economic and geopolitical disruptions, but several initiatives and best practices from the region can inform our collective efforts going forward. The Declaration of the upcoming Ministerial envisages for October 2025… read more
6 May 2025. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is launching a call for exemplary university-led initiatives in the fields of Architecture and Urban Planning that contribute to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban development in the Mediterranean region. Selected case studies will be featured in an upcoming UfM publication focused on greening the curricula in architecture and planning schools across the Euro-Mediterranean region. This initiative is part of the UfM Strategic Urban Development Action Plan 2040, aiming to highlight innovative academic practices that address today’s most pressing urban challenges—while bridging the gap between academia and society. This call seeks to… read more
The UfM Forum “Green Entrepreneurship: A Pathway to Sustainable and Inclusive Employment” Forum explored the intersection of green entrepreneurship and just transition. It highlighted EU-funded regional initiatives supporting the green economy, social entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion of women and youth. The Forum was jointly organised by the European Commission and the Business Development Centre (BDC) on behalf of the UfM Co-Presidency. It is part of the UfM Roadmap on Employment and Labour (2022–2025), reflecting the UfM’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Mediterranean region. Amman, 30 April 2025. The Mediterranean region is advancing green entrepreneurship and digital… read more
