Towards a More Mediterranean COP31: CIHEAM Contributes to the Climate Dialogue in Paris

Paris, France, 17 July 2026

As one of the regions of the world most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the Mediterranean is increasingly affected by heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and floods. Against this backdrop, preparations for COP31 are of strategic importance. It was in this context that CIHEAM participated in the Mediterranean Climate Dialogue – France Consultation, held at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in Paris and organised by the Turkish Presidency of COP31 and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).

This consultation marked the third in a series of seven dialogues taking place across the region to identify shared Mediterranean priorities ahead of COP31. It reflects a shared ambition to foster a genuine Mediterranean voice in international climate discussions.

CIHEAM contributed to the discussions of Round Table 3, dedicated to the synergies between the three Rio Conventions and climate change adaptation. On this occasion, CIHEAM advocated for an integrated approach to Mediterranean resilience based on strengthening food and water security, promoting the active participation of rural communities, developing regional centres of excellence, and harnessing science diplomacy as a driver of cooperation.

These priorities contribute to strengthening risk management, accelerating the ecological and agricultural transitions, and fostering closer dialogue between science, public policies and local stakeholders. They are fully aligned with the WEFE Nexus (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems) approach, which promotes the integrated management of natural resources to enhance resilience and sustainable development.

Bringing together representatives of governments, regional and international organisations, the scientific community and civil society, the consultation helped identify concrete avenues for cooperation that will contribute to the preparation of COP31 and to strengthening climate action across the Mediterranean.

This momentum will continue over the coming months through three major milestones on the Mediterranean agenda: the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, to be held in Rome from 29 September to 2 October 2026, the 13th Meeting of CIHEAM Member States' Ministers of Agriculture, taking place in Rome (Italy) on 16–17 November 2026, followed by COP31 in Antalya.