Our platform is dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and security in the Mediterranean region. We aim to transform the Mediterranean into an area of peace, democracy, cooperation, and prosperity.

As confirmed in the third Civil Protection Directors General meeting, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) serves as a key platform for Euro-Mediterranean dialogue on civil protection. We facilitate links between the political and operational levels to address common challenges and develop concrete actions for strengthened cooperation in prevention campaigns, emergency response, and crisis management.

In the face of climate change and its impact on the Mediterranean region, our platform takes on even greater significance. Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC) have established that the Mediterranean is warming faster than any other area of the globe. This warming leads to increased occurrence of major natural and technological hazards, putting a strain on national civil protection systems. Cooperation, sharing of scientific knowledge, and a common regulatory framework for regional assistance and solidarity are crucial for effective anticipation, preparation, and response to these challenges.

Our objectives include providing assistance and solidarity through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, extending the PPRD (Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Disasters) program to the Mediterranean region, and supporting the strengthening of regional and sub-regional synergies and cooperation.

The Regional Dialogue Platform serves as a space for dialogue and partnership among institutions, professionals, experts, civil society, NGOs, the private sector, and more. Together, we discuss a common vision, initiate a roadmap/action plan, exchange knowledge and good practices, and develop projects that contribute to a resilient Mediterranean region.

By convening the first meeting of the UfM Regional Dialogue Platform in Civil Protection, we aim to foster concrete discussions, idea elaboration, and mutual cooperation, aligned with the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. This meeting takes place in a context of post-pandemic COVID-19 recovery, hybrid threats, and climate change, which require collective efforts to build resilience.

Expected results include the development of a regional and/or sub-regional strategy in disaster risk management, discussed within the crisis management cycle of prevention, preparedness, and response. The platform will work collaboratively with UfM member states, DG ECHO, DG NEAR, UNDRR, DPPI-SEE, and other stakeholders to implement sustainable regional cooperation and achieve our goals.

We invite you to join us in this important endeavor. Together, we can create a safer and more resilient Mediterranean region.