The Launching of the Euromed Summit of Economic and Social Councils at the BA
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The two-day Euromed Summit of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions was launched this morning at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, under the theme "Energy Transition in the Euro-Mediterranean Region".
The opening session was attended by Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC); Magdy Galal, President of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company; Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean; Josep Ferré, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Foundation; and Ahmed El Wakil, President of the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME).
Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), said that many countries around the world are suffering from water poverty, pointing out that water is a prerequisite for human survival and the survival of society, and is also important for agriculture and energy.
He added that there are 1.4 billion people living in water-scarce communities, expecting that about seven million people will be displaced due to water scarcity.
For his part, Magdy Galal, President of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company, stressed the deep relations between Egypt and the Mediterranean countries, and emphasized the conference's important issues, namely digital transformation and energy transformation. He also noted that the world has been severely impacted by the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic followed by the Russo-Ukrainian war.
He stated that renewable energy has become vital, whether it be in the private or public sector, stressing Egypt's belief in the need for cooperation in order to avoid the consequences of global turmoil.
Additionally, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, said that the conference is a good opportunity to exchange experiences among the participants with regard to the issues discussed, highlighting the importance of the topics raised, which are related to the future of energy and digital transformation.
He also pointed out that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina supports the efforts of its partners in building a better future for the Mediterranean region.
Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, said that the Southern Mediterranean countries are suffering from limited resources that are not in line with the current requirements, and that climate change has deepened this crisis. He also discussed the importance of moving towards seawater desalination projects using renewable energy in order to prevent the negative effects of water poverty.
For his part, Josep Ferré, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Foundation, shed light on the Foundation's role in supporting progress in the field of security, peace and dialogue among civilizations, and explained that Anna Lindh works in partnership with civil society institutions, which give great strength to the continuation and success of the Foundation.
Ahmed El Wakeel, President of the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME), stressed the importance of an increased cooperation in order to promote trade between countries through organizations, while ensuring a good-standard delivery of services.
The Euromed Summit is organized by the European Economic and Social Committee, the Union for the Mediterranean, the Anna Lindh Foundation and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The two-day event discusses the problems of desertification and water scarcity around the world, as well as digital transformation and the use of clean energy.