On 26 and 27 March 2026, MedCities and GIZ Tunisia, in partnership with the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, are organising a launch event in Tunis to kick off exchange activities between Tunisian municipalities as part of the UrbA-CliMa project. This meeting marks the start of Outcome 3 of the UrbA-CliMa project, promoting the creation of a national dynamic of cooperation between local authorities aimed at strengthening their capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Before this, a preparatory workshop held online on 24 March enabled the collection of municipalities’ expectations and the identification of their priorities. The in-person seminar thus brings this first stage to fruition by laying the foundations for a structured and operational exchange network.

The event brought together twenty (20) municipalities from different regions of the country: Balta Bouaouane, Kalaat Senan, Siliana, Ghezala, Sidi Thabet, Kalaat Andalous, El Haouaria, Raccada, Messadine, Lamta, Jelma, Ennasr Sfax, Bouzguem, El Guettar, Tameghza, Kairouan, Gabès, Djerba Houmt Souk, Ghomrassen and Tataouine. All these municipalities face, to varying degrees, growing challenges such as pressure on water resources, episodes of extreme heat and flooding.

The programme for this meeting clearly demonstrates a commitment to combining analysis, the sharing of experiences and collective co-creation.

The first day was devoted to identifying common challenges and networking among participants. Through participatory workshops, the municipalities mapped out their main issues, before working in thematic groups around four key areas: water scarcity, urban heat, flood risks and coastal erosion. The afternoon provided an opportunity to highlight local initiatives during a ‘solutions market’, encouraging direct exchanges and discussion on the replicability of best practices.

The second day will be devoted to putting this initiative into practice. As part of this, participants will work together to identify the priority themes for future discussions, the workshop formats to be adopted, and the arrangements for collaboration to ensure the project’s continuity.

A collaborative process will also enable the development of a joint roadmap and practical tools to structure future activities.

This launch marks the first step: a series of online exchange sessions will build on this momentum to support local authorities in the practical implementation of their adaptation measures. Through this initiative, UrbA-CliMa aims to foster peer-to-peer learning and accelerate the dissemination of practical solutions already tested in the Maghreb region.