UfM Secretary General addresses Mediterranean security challenges in UN Security Council
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 efforts. Young people also struggle with political exclusion, limited economic opportunities, and a shrinking civic space, all issues that are compounded by climate change. A comprehensive approach is urgently needed to address these multifaceted challenges and harness the potential of young people for sustainable solutions.
UfM SG Nasser Kamel delivered a keynote speech highlighting the impact of climate change in the Mediterranean, and the UfM’s role in that regard. Emphasising the pivotal role of young people, he discussed furthering their involvement in decision-making processes to shape future policies to transform the Mediterranean region into a beacon of hope.
“Youth cannot be called solely to participate in the initial stages of decision-making. They should also be involved in the follow-up and monitoring phases. Their enthusiasm and potential for shaping decisions is a resource we can no longer afford to disregard.” –Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the UfM.
On April 18th, the UN Security Council held an Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East. Nasser Kamel delivered a speech reiterating the UfM’s position: dialogue and cooperation are the only ways forward to resolve the conflicts and political tensions affecting its Member States. “The context we are living in today is not only a turning point for us, but also for history. Our collective response is indeed going to determine the future for decades,” Nasser Kamel stated.
The UfM Secretary General also met with Malta’s Minister of Foreign, European and Trade Affairs, Dr Ian Borg. Discussions centred on ways to reinforce cooperation among all Mediterranean partners, as well as the importance of promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding through initiatives such as the Day of the Mediterranean, which was endorsed by all UfM Member States in November 2020.
More information on the UfM action for Youth participation and engagement
In 2021, the Union for the Mediterranean launched the UfM Strategy on Youth 2030, with a call for action co-built with youth-led and youth-focused organisations from the region. Resting on three main pillars – (i) environment and climate action; (ii) education and employment; and (iii) social inclusion and participation – and with a cross-cutting gender lens, this strategy taps into innovative sectors, such as the green, blue and circular economies, which also contribute to the creation of much-needed jobs to alleviate youth unemployment in the Mediterranean.
The UfM actively promotes youth participation in decision-making processes as they are closely linked to the implementation and success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement, the latter reaffirming intergenerational equity as the guiding principle shaping climate action.
