Barcelona became a hub for Mediterranean cities committed to addressing the challenges of climate change during the second edition of the Barcelona Academy for Mediterranean Municipalities (BAMM). Organised by MedCities and the Barcelona City Council, and funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), this edition brought together 19 elected municipal representatives and technical experts in resilience from 11 cities: Amman, Madaba, Saida, El Mina, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tétouan, Gabès, Tunis, as well as the non-Mediterranean cities of Nouakchott and Dakar, to strengthen their capacities to integrate resilience principles into policies, projects, and urban actions.

This year, BAMM (from 7 to 10 October 2025), broadened its scope: resilience in a holistic sense, not only environmental but also social, economic, and with a stronger health and wellbeing focus. Mediterranean cities are at the forefront of the global climate crisis, facing rising temperatures, water scarcity, coastal erosion, extreme weather, as well as social pressures, conflicts, and territorial imbalances. Municipalities are both vulnerable and powerful agents of change, which is why BAMM 2025 focused on addressing resilience in the most organic way possible.

Over four full days, participants explored resilience from this holistic perspective. Sessions combined theoretical presentations, case studies, and practical tools, covering climate data for urban planning, indicators, NbS, and innovative responses to climate-related challenges. The Academy also included three field visits to Barcelona’s resilient infrastructures, from rainwater tank deposits and the city’s command room to the redesigned Glories Park and surrounding areas, showcasing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and long-term green planning approaches. Participants also engaged in practical exercises, focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and worked on specific case studies, culminating in a participatory roadmap workshop.

This edition also ran alongside the UN-Habitat Regional Consultation, opening another important space for dialogue. Both MedCities, Barcelona City Council, and UN-Habitat, with the support of AECID, participated actively in both events. While parallel, the two initiatives were closely connected, shedding light on the Mediterranean’s determination to shape its resilient future and offer a platform for exchange, inspiration, and collaboration.

Read here the news about the 1st edition of the BAMM 2024