Nicosia: The Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East must evolve into a region of enhanced cooperation as the climate crisis requires collective action, according to the Nicosia Call for Action 2026. This declaration was adopted at the International Conference 'Climate Action in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East: Regional Cooperation Empowered by Science and Innovation', held on 8-9 April 2026 in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the conference was organized by The Cyprus Institute and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, under the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event saw participation from representatives of governments, international organizations, policymakers, and scientists, all of whom stressed the urgent need for collective action in a region highly vulnerable to climate change. Participants from 18 countries engaged in the program.
The conference included addresses from notable figures such as the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka €š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¦ uica, Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Maria Panayiotou, and Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou. Additionally, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michalis Damianou, and European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, presented their respective policies and actions concerning the climate crisis.
The adoption of the Nicosia Call for Action 2026 was a significant outcome of the conference, outlining key priorities for enhancing regional cooperation and fostering resilience and sustainability. Participants emphasized that the Mediterranean is a strategic link between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and that balanced, inclusive cooperation is essential for its future.
The discussions highlighted interconnected challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, economic inequalities, migration pressures, and security risks, advocating for coordinated, long-term solutions. Changes in consumption patterns and responsible resource use were deemed essential.
The conference underscored the crucial role of science, innovation, and science diplomacy as tools for addressing climate challenges, even amid complex geopolitical contexts. Emphasis was placed on cooperation in sectors like energy, water, food, health, cities, and cultural heritage.
The Nicosia Call for Action 2026 delineates four main pillars: 'Empowering citizens and societies', 'Actions for implementation', 'Strengthening governance and financing', and 'Enhancing cooperation through science diplomacy'. These pillars focus on education, science and innovation, governance models, and regional partnerships as means to achieve the outlined objectives.
In conclusion, the Nicosia Call for Action 2026 conveys a clear message that the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East must develop into a region of enhanced cooperation, rooted in science and shared responsibility. To address the climate crisis effectively, collective action is required to secure resilience, prosperity, stability, and peace for future generations.