Highlights and images for 8 December 2023

The final day of COP 23 started with an all-morning session of side events on youth and education for sustainable development. One of these, “The process and actors to secure a sustainable future for the Mediterranean,” was co-organized by the Mediterranean Committee on Education for Sustainable Development and the Government of Slovenia. Delegates heard a presentation on efforts being undertaken in Slovenia, where a EUR 17 million training programme on sustainable development is currently targeting 20,000 teachers.

Several other regional organizations shared their initiatives. Among challenges, they cited lack of: flexibility in current school curriculums; long-term funding; teacher training; and awareness of youth with regard to ongoing activities. Session facilitator Michael Scoullos, Chair of the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE), made an emphatic statement. He stressed that there are more young people in the region now than ever before, particularly in the Southern Mediterranean, but said the challenge lies in reaching them, meaningfully involving them, and empowering them to make their voices heard.

In the late afternoon, plenary reconvened to wrap up its business. Egypt took the floor to warmly invite delegates to Egypt for Barcelona Convention COP 24, to be held in 2025 in either Cairo or Alexandria.

COP President Mitja Bricelj introduced the draft report of the meeting, which contained all draft decisions of COP 23. These were subsequently adopted, along with the meeting report, including the Programme of Work and Budget for 2024-2025.

In his closing remarks, COP President Bricelj recalled the Barcelona Convention journey from Antalya (COP 22) to Portorož, drawing parallels with the migration route of the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta. He commended the collaboration of all participants and the successful outcomes of the meeting. Bricelj provided examples of inter-regional cooperation and stressed the importance of green corridors. Expressing enthusiasm about youth and education, he said “We are on the right track to demonstrate change.” 

Commenting from the floor, Egypt welcomed future collaboration for a more sustainable Mediterranean. Türkiye thanked delegates for their support for the proposed establishment of a Regional Activity Centre on Climate Change in Türkiye. UNEP congratulated delegates on their hard work, highlighting the numerous decisions taken.

Tatjana Hema, UNEP/MAP – Secretariat, said the Portorož Ministerial Declaration is ambitious and raises the level of commitment, showing the Barcelona Convention does contribute to the global agenda. She praised delegates for their hard work.

COP President Bricelj closed the meeting at 18.05.