The UfM (Union for the Mediterranean) high-level session was held on Tuesday 10 June in the framework of the Mediterranean Day at the Third United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice (France).
The session focused on the leading role of the Mediterranean in promoting a sustainable blue economy. Among the main points was the formal commitment of Spain to contribute 8.5 million euros to the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP), a multi-donor fund promoted by the UfM that mobilises investments in sustainable blue economy projects in the Southern Mediterranean and Red Sea areas. The first projects that will be developed are the Morocco’s first offshore windfarm, the restoration of a coral ecosystem in Jordan and the development of a wastewater treatment facility in Egypt.
“Charting the path towards sustainable blue economy: the Mediterranean leading the way” is a Union for the Mediterranean-led event on the region’s role in advancing the sustainable use of marine resources to promote socioeconomic development.
Government officials, development agencies, regional networks, private sector actors, and civil society showcased innovative financing mechanisms, cutting-edge technologies and replicable initiatives.
The event highlighted priority areas for cooperation among the 43 UfM Member States, including maritime clusters, decarbonisation, marine biodiversity, blue jobs, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, pollution prevention, and circular economy enterprises. More than €500M euros have been mobilised for over 250 regional projects in these domains since the first UfM Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy in 2015.
Among the speakers were European Commissioner Cóstas Kadis, Spanish Minister Sara Aagesen and UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel.
“The Mediterranean sea plays a key role in setting the path towards a sustainable blue economy and can act as a model for other sea basins,” said EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis. “The Ocean Pact, just adopted by the Commission, underscores the importance of unlocking financial support from both private and public sources to boost investments in ocean related actions, supporting EU blue economy and innovation.”
“Since the inception of this initiative in 2015, the Sustainable Blue Economy has emerged as a transformative force for regional cooperation and partnership. It serves as a key to unlocking a wealth of environmental, social, and economic benefits across our basin. This is why the UNOC ‘Med Day’ provides an ideal platform to highlight our achievements and ongoing efforts,” said Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Aiman Soleiman of Jordan.
“The Mediterranean Sea is not just a body of water—it’s a cradle of civilisation, a hub of biodiversity, and a vital source of livelihood for millions. The Mediterranean Sea shapes our past, present and future history, economy and identity,” said Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition Sara Aagesen.
“Our rich sustainable blue economy community undoubtedly serves as inspiration for other parts of the world,” said UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel. “The UfM has played a pioneering role in establishing and strengthening the political and technical dialogue on Sustainable Blue Economy at regional level”.
