The Mediterranean is precisely one of the hot spots of global climate change, with an estimated increase in e annual average temperature from 2.2 degrees to 5.1 for 2100. Against this backdrop, the Mediterranean is in a process of harmonization between its socio-economic and environmental objectives, in order to adapt international commitments to regional conditions. However, much work remains to be done on the path of regional cooperation among the concerned parties.

In recent years, the issue of climate change take a significant part of government’s agendas, helping to shape their policies and pushing businesses and entrepreneurs further commit with the green economy issue. The green economy represents a great potential for the Mediterranean region for employment creation, technological progress and competitiveness.

This scenario was discussed at the Eco MedaGreen Summit, November 23 in Barcelona, within the framework of the Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders.

Public representatives, entrepreneurs, multilateral institutions, and international experts discussed the emergence of Mediterranean sustainability in four priority areas: water, solar energy, wind energy and sustainable cities.

Cities are an economic pillar for the region, by generating jobs and wealth, but they still face multiple challenges. Their contribution fluctuates between 50-80 % of GDP, as in Cairo, Istanbul, Beirut, Casablanca or Barcelona. Promoting sustainable economic and urban development and ensuring a better quality of life is vital for the Mediterranean countries.

In the frame of the Mediterranean Cities Economic Forum, GO SUMP Project (Interreg MED), represented by Malaga City Council and MedCities, participated in the mobility session by introducing the MED Urban Transport Community and its Modular Projects, which are currently running, as study cases on Mediterranean cities’ sustainable mobility practices. The session on « Explore Successful Business Models across Mediterranean Cities » was also developed  together with the cities of Sousse (Tunisia) and Massolia (Maroc) and research centers as Eurecat-CTM.

In the session dedicated to « Waste Management and Recycling in the Realm of Circular Economy » participated, among others, the Municipality of Barcelona, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs of Jordania and the UN Environment MAP Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP/RAC). The moderator in both sessions was Ms. Dilara Zengin from the Anadolu Agency.

The forums of the Eco MedaGreen Summit bet on the promotion of the emerging sectors to place the sustainability at the heart of the region. In order to the green economy to be developed in an inclusive manner and respond to the current challenges by working together for a clean, circular and efficient economy that uses sustainable resources and patterns and reduces environmental risks.