The 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP24) will be held from 2 to 5 December 2025 in Cairo, Egypt, under the framework of UNEP/MAP.
COP24 is the most important regional decision-making event for the protection of the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment. The meeting will bring together national authorities from Mediterranean countries and the European Union, as well as local and regional governments, international and regional organizations, scientists and technical experts, non-governmental organizations, private sector representatives active in marine and coastal sectors, and civil society organizations.
Why COP24 matters
For five decades, the Barcelona Convention has provided a shared platform for Mediterranean countries to work together in protecting the sea and coastline. COP24 continues this mission at a time of growing environmental pressure caused by climate change, pollution, urbanisation and the unsustainable use of natural resources.
At COP24, countries will review the progress made during the previous biennium and agree on priorities, actions and funding for the next two years (2026–2027). These decisions will directly shape future policies, projects and cooperation across the Mediterranean region.
A strong focus on a sustainable blue economy
The central theme of the ministerial segment of COP24, to be held on 4 December 2025, is “Sustainable Blue Economy for a Healthy, Resilient and Productive Mediterranean.”
Discussions will focus on how economic activities linked to the sea — such as tourism, shipping, fisheries and coastal development — can continue to grow while, at the same time, preserving marine ecosystems and strengthening resilience to climate change.
What will happen at COP24
During the four-day meeting, participants will take part in high-level ministerial sessions and national statements, adopt the Cairo Ministerial Declaration, approve the Programme of Work and Budget for 2026–2027, and attend the presentation of the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award for the 2024–2025 cycle. The Conference will also include the signing of cooperation agreements with regional partners, as well as a wide range of side events dedicated to key Mediterranean environmental challenges.
Contribution of PAP/RAC
As one of the Regional Activity Centres of UNEP/MAP, PAP/RAC will actively contribute to the event through technical expertise and thematic inputs, particularly in the fields of integrated coastal zone management and marine spatial planning.
PAP/RAC will also participate in selected side events and discussions relevant to its mandate, including the GEF MedProgramme event on 3 December 2025 - "One Mediterranean, One Future: Integrated Actions for a Resilient Sea", where the PAP/RAC Director will be one of the key panellists.
Moreover, PAP/RAC will lead its own side event titled “Blue Future: Shared Responsibility and Inclusive Actions for a Sustainable Mediterranean”, co-organized with RAED – Arab Network for Environment & Development.
More information on the theme, speakers and programme of the side event will be available soon.
Further information
The conference programme and official documents are available on the COP24 website: https://cop24-egypt.com/
Follow the hashtag #COP24Med for news and highlights.
