YLE Foundation is participating in the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, held in Cairo from 2 to 5 December, in its capacity as an accredited observer to the Convention since 2017. The Foundation has taken part in the previous four editions of this important Mediterranean summit, held under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The conference agenda includes a review of the Programme of Work and the progress achieved under the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) for 2024–2025, in addition to discussions on decisions related to the Programme of Work and budget for 2026–2027.
During the official opening session, Egypt assumed the presidency of COP24 from Slovenia.
The YLE delegation attended several side events featuring discussions and panels on marine environmental protection, the sustainable blue economy, and climate-resilient development. Among the most prominent events were sessions on decarbonization and circular economy solutions presented by SIDPEC to support environmental protection and sustainability, as well as regional dialogues on strengthening Mediterranean cooperation on plastic pollution, from national measures to regional frameworks.
The delegation also participated in a special ceremony marking 50 years since the establishment of UNEP/MAP and 30 years since the post-Rio phase of the Barcelona Convention, celebrating five decades of regional environmental cooperation and the evolution of environmental governance in the Mediterranean.
Donia Ibrahim, Programs Manager at YLE Foundation, stated that following the Foundation’s participation in COP30 in Brazil, and with the Foundation’s President currently attending the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, YLE continues to affirm its leadership in environmental action across Africa. “Our presence at major international conferences reflects our long-standing commitment to empowering young men and women in the environmental sector—an effort we have maintained since our establishment,” she said.
Ibrahim added that the Foundation strives to amplify youth voices in regional discussions on marine conservation, sustainable development, and climate adaptation, in line with its mission to empower young people, strengthen climate resilience, and protect the environment. She highlighted that the delegation consisted of five members—most of whom were women—in affirmation of YLE’s dedication to supporting women and recognizing their vital role within civil society.
It is worth noting that this participation comes as a continuation of YLE Foundation’s expanding regional and international environmental efforts, following its successful engagement at the COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil.
