Highlights and images for 4 December 2025

“We must redouble our efforts on the targets we have set ourselves,” exhorted Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, as delegates congregated on Thursday for the Ministerial Session. Thomson urged participants to “be strong in thought and deed” as heard from dignitaries during the course of the morning.

Manal Awad Mikhail, Acting Minister of Environment and Minister of Local Development, Egypt, emphasized Mediterranean countries’ shared responsibility to ensure sustainable development for future generations. Susan Gardner, Director of the UN Environment Programme’s Ecosystems Division, praised the Mediterranean as a model whose influence “ripples outward across the world,” shaping how ocean governance should be approached: across borders and through shared responsibility.

Providing a summary of achievements over the current biennium, the Secretariat congratulated delegates on their fruitful cooperation in successfully completing the mandate established at COP 23 in Slovenia.

During the High-Level Panel on Sustainable Blue Economy for a Resilient and Healthy Mediterranean, panelists repeated calls for harnessing opportunities presented by a blue economy to ensure the region, as a climate hotspot, is able to withstand the complex challenges brought upon it by the triple planetary crisis.

The panel explored three themes: global and regional policy perspectives; best practices, lessons learned, and tools; and best practices and lessons learned to promote a sustainable blue economy at the national level and stakeholder involvement.

“The sea is our heritage, part of our identity, it connects us – its protection must unite us.” In the afternoon, during which ministers and heads of delegation spoke, Italy announced a contribution of 600,000 euros for the implementation of the 2026-2027 Programme of Work. The Cairo Ministerial Declaration was then adopted to applause in plenary.

At the end of the day, three youth representatives addressed the Ministerial Session. They emphasized that meaningful youth participation requires youth involvement from the start, supported by funding, and recognition as legitimate partners in policymaking. They called for permanent structures, stronger representation in environmental and climate processes, and enabling environments for education, research, and youth-led initiatives. “We call on you to consider youth as co-architects – not only beneficiaries – of efforts towards a sustainable Mediterranean.”

Almería, a city in southeast Spain with a stunning Moorish fortress, was celebrated as the recipient of this year’s Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award. The Award, funded by the government of Türkiye, and established as part of the UNEP/MAP – Barcelona Convention system, recognizes coastal Mediterranean cities for their efforts in sustainable development and environmental protection. Almería received the Award for its three pillars of environmental action: protection of the natural coastal system; planning that integrates natural and urban health and climate change; and promoting a sustainable blue economy that connects all sectors. The previous Award recipients are: Izmir, Türkiye, in 2017; Ashdod, Israel, in 2019; Malaga, Spain, in 2021; and Genoa, Italy, in 2023.

In the evening, a Women Leaders Dinner was hosted by the Government of Egypt and co-organized with UNEP/MAP. Tatjana Hema, UNEP/MAP Coordinator, recounted how this tradition started at COP 22 in Antalya, Türkiye, making space for women leaders to meet and share their unique perspectives and experiences.