September 22, 2023, Marseille (France)

The CIHEAM, represented by its President, Mrs Frida Krifca, participated in Act VI of the Mediterranean Forum of the Future held on 22 September in Marseille.

The event, which called for the design of a Mediterranean macro-regional strategy, brought together public and private actors recognised at Euro-Mediterranean and international levels to highlight their contribution to discussions on the theme of water, to the definition and implementation of innovative and ambitious solutions. This annual event coincided with the historic visit of Pope Francis to Marseille, to whom the conclusions of the Forum will be presented.

“NO WATER, NO FOOD!”

Recalling the risks of food insecurity weighing upon the Mediterranean region due to climate change, droughts, and unsustainable water management, the President of the CIHEAM called for sustainable agriculture to be placed at the heart of priorities of political actions and to strengthen regional cooperation to accelerate transitions towards more sustainable food systems.

Mrs Frida Krifca wished to highlight the role of the 4 CIHEAM Institutes, which for 60 years have been training and supporting young Mediterranean people, especially in sustainable water management by by harnessing the potential of innovation and new technologies.

She stated that Mediterranean youth are a source of proposals and that they are able to formulate and disseminate innovative solutions to overcome the challenges the Mediterranean is faced with.

Watch the speech of Mrs Frida Krifca (From 2.30)