They say no man ever steps in the same river twice. The universe is in a constant state of flux: such is my sentiment as I reflect on my mandate at the Union for the Mediterranean, an organization I see as being more relevant today than ever. As it stands, it is not even remotely similar to the one I joined as secretary-general eight years ago. The region has changed, the organization has evolved, and I leave it its most convinced advocate. I like to think of it as an ongoing journey to a destination that is yet to be reached after years of navigating the turbulent waters of conflict, crisis and global disruption.
There is a compelling story to tell about how we have consolidated our capacities and mobilized an ever-expanding ecosystem of partners, donors and stakeholders. We have co-produced landmark reports on topics ranging from climate change to economic integration and delivered value through initiatives such as the UfM Grant Schemes, the Mediterranean Pavilion at COP or the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue. Within the framework of the Blue Mediterranean Partnership, we have helped mobilize over €1 billion in investment for sustainable blue economy projects. And with the first ever Intergovernmental Monitoring Mechanism on Gender, we have created a tool for tracking progress and shaping policy recommendations on equality across the region.
