Climate change is expected to severely impact the MENA region and tackling climate change is therefore a key priority both for the Mediterranean countries’ governments and for their international partners. After the historic agreement reached in Paris last November and in the run-up to the COP 22 in Marrakech, our “EIB MED Conference: Climate Action in the Mediterranean” will focus on climate change adaptation, mitigation and climate finance.
A lively debate between panelists and audience will take place in three consecutive sessions, all livestreamed for registered participants.
Session I – From Paris to Marrakech – The road travelled since COP21
After the historic agreement reached at Paris COP 21 everyone is now focusing on implementation. This session will focus on how climate action can contribute to meeting the SDGs in the Mediterranean region. The discussion will address the implementation of the Paris Agreement, including progress on regulations, strategies and investment plans for both mitigation and adaptation. The importance of understanding the interactions between mitigation and adaptation, and the importance of cooperation among different stakeholders will also be discussed.
The EIB, as the world's biggest provider of climate finance, stands ready to help to turn these commitments into reality: by offering its significant expertise, mobilising the necessary finance and – as pledged in Paris alongside the other multilateral development banks – getting the private sector on board for the considerable investments that will be needed in the years ahead.
Session II – Increasing support for adaptation: Why it matters in the MED region
Making the MED region resilient to climate change calls for swift action to assess and reduce the climate vulnerability of different areas and economic activities. Accelerating adaptation actions in the Mediterranean region is necessary as climate change is increasingly affecting fundamental aspects such as water availability, food production and the safety and quality of life in urban areas.
This session will look at the urgent need for adaptation measures in the region and showcase what the EIB can do to support Mediterranean countries to face this emerging threat in terms of its lending, blending and advising activities.
Session III – Climate Finance
Supporting the implementation of national climate action plans. This session will highlight the diverse range of available climate financing tools and advisory services available in the region and present ways in which clients can best avail themselves of these services to improve their projects. The panel will emphasise the importance of cooperation between public institutions and private sectors for the financing of viable climate projects.
The value of EIB support for projects in the Mediterranean region comes not only from the Bank’s financing capacity, but also from deep technical expertise gained through over thirty years’ experience in the region. Maximising synergies with other international financial institutions and partners in the region improves the implementation and efficiency of investment projects.
Join the conversation on social networks with #EIBMED.