Historic First Mediterranean Day.

Byline: Huda Raza

On 28 November, the world marks the First Mediterrnean Day in history. This day celebrates the richness of history and natural resources as well the cultures and people of the Mediterranean. To celebrate the Mediterranean is to celebrate the diversity and abundance of life in its full amplitude and plenitude. This ancient sea around which we live has been home to the greatest civilizations in the world: its earliest universities; its first dramatists; and its most well-known trade centers. In November 2020, the Union for the Mediterranean's 42 Member States declared the 28th of November as the Official Day of the Mediterranean.

It is open to all Mediterranean communities to commemorate the centuries-old legacy that includes wisdom, culture, humanity, and other ancient agoras. Today, the Mediterranean evokes many emotions. It is a fascinating land and provides many people with their livelihood and homes. The Mediterranean is where history is eternally present. It is time to be proud of and remember the wealth of the Mediterranean region's history, natural resources, people, and culture, as this region holds immense potential to help us create the future we desire.

Why the 28th of November?

On 28 November 1995, 12 countries of the Southern Mediterranean, along with the EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs, hosted their first Euro-Mediterranean Conference. During this conference, they signed an accord to establish the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership Process (EUROMED). This agreement made the basis for the Union for the Mediterranean on 13 July 2008. As a forum for dialogue, it created the Barcelona Process to promote a common determination to transform the Mediterranean region into a zone of peace and stability. Therefore, the Day of the Mediterranean reminds of this commitment and helps to move forward, regardless of the many obstacles.

Tackle Climate Change

Because of its diversity, Euro-Mediterranean is not homogeneous. Let's not forget, it is at a crossroads among three continents. The historic momentum built in October was evident as 42 member countries, with wide differences in their priorities and development, signed ambitious and common political commitments to protect and sustain unique Mediterranean biodiversity in contempt of climate change.

Moreover, the Mediterranean region is facing a 20% increase in temperature than the rest. It will suffer devastating effects on its ecosystem, and way of life, if it does not take...