New agreement between UNDP and Union for the Mediterranean strengthens peace and prosperity across key regions

Climate action, economic integration, and support for women and youth are some of the key areas of partnership under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Regional Bureau for the Arab States of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The three-year agreement strengthens the collaboration between both entities to address common challenges across the Mediterranean and Arab States regions, enabling them to work together to build peace and prosperity through policy development, project implementation and knowledge sharing.

Actions to support countries to adapt to and mitigate the growing risks of climate change feature prominently under the agreement, including the development of a Mediterranean Climate Change Hub which will provide training to central and local public administration officers on climate adaptation, and enhance investigation and data collection.

During the signing ceremony, Secretary-General of UfM Nasser Kamel, and Regional Director for the Arab States at UNDP Khalida Bouzar exchanged their views on the new agreement.

Nasser Kamel, Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean: “The signature of this MoU, in the sidelines of the UfM Regional Forum of its 42 Member States, signals a strong renewed commitment to the relationship between the UfM and UNDP. By joining forces, we will be able to create a widened platform for regional dialogue and cooperation. Contributing to regional integration and stability in the Euro-Mediterranean region are amongst the UfM’s top priorities discussed today, and we look forward to pursuing and intensifying this effort hand-in-hand with UNDP.”

“Building resilient societies – particularly in conflict-affected areas – cannot be achieved by one entity alone,” adds Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for the Arab States, Khalida Bouzar. “We are proud to partner with UfM to establish solid foundations for peace and prosperity in the region through tangible climate action, elevating the voices of women and youth, and bolstering local and regional economies. Our collective efforts are fueled by a clear commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – our global blueprint for a better and fairer world – so I look forward to bringing this exciting partnership to fruition,” she says.

With more than half the population of the Arab region below the age of 25 years, empowering young people by supporting leadership programmes and developing sound policies that address their needs is also a critical component. Additionally, mutual opportunities to promote employment and economic growth in the regions will be explored, with a focus on increasing the employability of vulnerable groups like youth and women and fostering a culture of both entrepreneurship and private sector development.