Egypt will host the 24th Conference of the Parties to the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean
Ministers, senior officials, and environmental experts from Mediterranean countries will attend the 24th Conference of the Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP24), which will take place from 2 to 5 December 2025 in Cairo. Egypt will assume the presidency of the Barcelona Convention for a two-year term.
The event brings together 22 Contracting Parties to coordinate actions against pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change pressures, aimed at protecting the marine environment, promoting sustainability, and implementing collective measures for one of the world’s most fragile marine ecosystems. Among the main expected outcomes is the adoption of the new Regional Climate Change Adaptation Framework for Coastal and Marine Areas (RCCAF 2026–2035).
Key topics to be discussed include sustainable blue economy, reduction of marine pollution, protection of marine biodiversity and coastal areas, and cooperation among Mediterranean states to address climate change, human pressures, and marine protection.
During COP24, participants will discuss and adopt: the Ministerial Declaration, the 2026–2027 Work Programme and Budget, technical decisions, scientific presentations, and side events.
The event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of UNEP/MAP, established in 1975, for which a digital campaign, Odyssey Reloaded, has been launched — a platform hosting a series of “pan-Mediterranean” events.
Looking at the achievements of the past 50 years, the anniversary will be an important opportunity to strengthen and renew joint commitment for the coming decades and to build a more resilient future for the Mediterranean Sea.