The COVID-19 pandemic shows how market globalisation has increased our vulnerability to crises. Food produced at the other end of the world ends up in our plates at a high environmental cost even though it can also be provided by farmers of the region. Mediterranean integration would be beneficial for the regions of both Mediterranean shores. The CIHEAM has been carrying this message for years, particularly during its ministerial meetings that are successively organised in each of its 13 Member States.

CONSOLIDATING MEDITERRANEAN DIALOGUE AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION

The scale of the COVID-19 and its extent have led the CIHEAM to continue its actions for an inclusive, balanced and open development of the region. It will enhance its partnerships initiated with cooperation and development actors including the ministries of its member countries, regional and international organisations, the academic and research worlds and private companies for the pooling of resources and the promotion of common initiatives aimed at reducing the negative effects of COVID-19 on food security in the region.

These initiatives include training and job creation with high social and environmental value, the exploitation of the potential of digital technologies and the design of intelligent solutions to the challenges related to unemployment, particularly in agriculture, the blue economy and the agro-tourism sector that will be strongly affected.

"With a long history, the CIHEAM is ready to fully play its role in the actions of solidarity and development targeting Mediterranean rural and coastal populations that this COVID-19 pandemic is making more necessary than ever."

Read the Communication of the Secretary-General #COVID19: Why does the CIHEAM matter?

#COVID19: Why sustainable food systems are important? 

#COVID19: Why investment in human capital is important?