News

2 October 2024, Faro. UfM countries, Observers, and Experts gathered together in Faro (Portugal) in order to continue to set the path towards the implementation of the 2021 UfM Ministerial Declaration on SBE / its related Roadmap, with a focus on: i) reporting by the countries; ii) joint follow-up to the 2nd UfM Stakeholder Conference on SBE held in Athens on 19-20 February 2024; iii) consolidation of partnerships in the framework of the Roadmap, including ongoing synergies with the WestMED Initiative, associating also the UfM’s work on maritime transport; and iv) medium-to-longer term planning. In the framework of the ongoing… read more

Representatives from the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) took part in their 9th Regional Forum to discuss the critical situation in the Middle East and the organisation’s reform. The event was chaired by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, and Ayman Safadi, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan. It was hosted by José Manuel Albares, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain in the presence of Nasser Kamel, the Secretary General of… read more

25 September 2024, Rome – After Barcelona and Tangiers, the third edition of the Mediterranean Student Summit, launched by UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union and the ESN – Erasmus Student Network, took place in Palermo, September 26 – 28. The  Summit is organised under the patronage and financial support of the Union for the Mediterranean. Hosted by the University of Palermo, almost 30 students gathered to carry out the debates foreseen in this Summit edition. The event saw the participation of students coming from the Mediterranean Region and Ghana, the latter representing the All-Africa Students Union – AASU, the largest… read more

15 October, 2024, Cairo. The 5th Annual Conference on Water Finance and Investment, co-organised by the Union for the Mediterranean, the European Union, and the African Development Bank, took place on October 14 and 15 in the Egyptian capital within the framework of the 9th Africa Water Week. Attracting some 100 policymakers and private and public stakeholders, the event served as a platform to discuss Euro-Mediterranean and African water finance and investment policies, particularly those relating to crucial water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. While central to public health and sustainable development, 20 million people still do not have reliable… read more

3 October 2024, Cairo, Egypt – Officials from the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), European Commission, and the League of Arab States (LAS) met yesterday in Cairo to advance the role of science in foreign affairs under the High-level Meeting on Science Diplomacy. In a region facing increasing cross-border challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and energy resources, science and innovation could play a significant role in bringing regional actors together. Participants discussed approaches to strengthen research infrastructures, mobility and training, and science advice for foreign policy. Held at the LAS Secretariat, the meeting was attended by… read more

2 October 2024, Cairo, Egypt – The 4th UfM Energy and Climate Business Forum took place in Cairo, bringing together senior national and inter-governmental officials, international financial institutions leaders, and private sector actors in the field of sustainable energy from across the Mediterranean. Held in the heart of Cairo, the Forum showcased the participant’s strong will for collaboration on innovative financing solutions and highlighted potential opportunities for sustainable energy transition and climate actions. The Forum, organized in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), was held on the sidelines of the Cairo Sustainable Energy Week… read more

26 September 2024, Barcelona – Senior officials from the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) gathered today in Barcelona, to address several key topics, including the reform of UfM and its next steps. Launched in 2023, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the organisation, the reform process aims at reshaping a renewed vision and priorities for the UfM, in view of enhancing its role, impact and efficiency across the Euro-Mediterranean region. The meeting addressed the most pressing challenges across the region, notably the alarming situation in the Middle East. The 9th UfM Regional Forum, gathering the Foreign Ministers of the UfM… read more

26 September 2024, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in partnership with the German Development Cooperation and the European Commission, hosted the second edition of the Future of Work Workshop in Sarajevo. The event brought together over 70 participants, including youth, policymakers, and private sector representatives from 22 UfM Member States. Edin Forto, Bosnia’s Minister of Communications, opened the event, expressing hopes for deeper collaboration with the UfM. Discussions focused on future workforce opportunities and challenges, particularly in green and digital transitions. The European Training Foundation shared insights on global labour market trends and future… read more

25 September 2024, Rome – The University of Palermo hosted the Third Mediterranean Student Summit from September 26 to 28, bringing together nearly 30 students from across the Mediterranean region and Ghana. This three-day event, organized by UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), provided a space for peer-to-peer exchanges and discussions on student engagement, a core priority for UNIMED. The Summit aimed to enhance mutual understanding among students and empower them as advocates for the Mediterranean by fostering discussions on key topics relevant to academic cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean region. With students from the Mediterranean… read more

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