How to close the climate knowledge gaps in the Mediterranean region – UNFCCC COP 27 – Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt 6th to 18th November 2022

Here you can see the event organized by UAE on 18/11 in the cop27 by the SubNetwork resulting from Mehmed project where topics as sustainability and environment where discussed and Prof. Adil Salhi from University Abdelmalek Essaâdi (UAE), Morocco, and coordinator of the UNIMED SubNetowrk on Climate and Environmental Change presented MEHMED project who participated at the event.

See the full session following the Youtube Link.

To address climate change challenges, the active engagement of higher education and research institutions is fundamental. The panelists, academics, and experts from both shores of the Mediterranean, debated on the existing gaps, actions, and strategies the higher education and research sector have to adopt to contribute at reaching a more sustainable Mediterranean region, from the involvement of the students and the improvement of the academic offer to the set-up of international partnerships.

It has been scientifically proven that climate and environmental change is extensively affecting the Mediterranean region and to limit its short, medium, and long-term consequences an urgent action is needed.

The academia and the scientific community, per their nature, have to provide the best available science, and viable solutions, adapted to the peculiarities of the region, tackling major issues such as water scarcity, food security, coastal erosion and desertification, and favoring a sustainable management of the natural resources available.

In this framework, filling the climate knowledge gap is a priority. Universities and research centers are required to be at the forefront in terms of capacity building and innovation actions, by developing updated curricula offers, involving their students in environmental-related workshops and initiatives, adopting a collaborative approach, and building strategic partnerships to promote the knowledge sharing, also with public and private stakeholders. These measures are key to ensure climate research progress in the region.

Event objectives

• Raising awareness on the importance of education, research, and innovation in tackling Mediterranean main environmental and climate priorities
• Presenting some best practices of both capacity building actions at national and regional level and successful partnerships in climate research
• Highlighting the role Universities can play as a “Science-Policy interface” for an efficient local climate action
• Providing recommendations for a more efficient cooperation with the public and private sector.