In a move that strengthens the standing of Arab civil society in international fora, the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) of the Barcelona Convention, in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), announced the election of the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) as a member of the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD). The decision was adopted at the conclusion of the Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols (COP‑24), hosted by the Cairo during the first week of December 2025.

Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the Mediterranean Action Plan, confirmed in a letter addressed to the Secretariat of the Arab Network for Environment and Development that RAED’s membership in the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development has been formally endorsed for the forthcoming term pursuant to the COP decision. This endorsement reflects international confidence in the pivotal role played by RAED in advancing environmental protection and sustainable development across the Arab region and the Mediterranean Basin.

In her correspondence to Dr. Emad Adly, General Coordinator of RAED, the MAP Coordinator underscored the importance of collaboration in implementing the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD) for the period 2026–2035. She noted that RAED will play an active role in delivering the third phase of the Strategy, which places a set of critical environmental priorities at the forefront.

The third phase of the Mediterranean Strategy identifies climate change as a top priority in addressing current environmental challenges, promotes nature-based solutions through expanded use of renewable energy, advances a sustainable blue economy by safeguarding marine and coastal natural resources, and emphasizes stakeholder empowerment by strengthening the participation of youth, women and local authorities in environmental decision-making.

RAED’s election to the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development is aligned with the “Cairo Ministerial Declaration” emanating from COP-24, which called for building strong partnerships among Mediterranean stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its membership, RAED will contribute to the 20 flagship initiatives aimed at protecting the Mediterranean ecosystem and fostering economic and social prosperity across the region.

For its part, the Arab Network for Environment and Development expressed pride in this selection, reaffirming its commitment to mobilize its expertise and capacities to work alongside Mediterranean partners toward a sustainable future for generations to come.

Founded in 1990, the Arab Network for Environment and Development brings together hundreds of non-governmental organizations from across the Arab world, with a mission to facilitate the exchange of expertise and information and to enhance public participation in environmental and sustainable development issues.