International conference on the challenges of sustainable development and the Mediterranean

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is to hold a conference on sustainable development in the Mediterranean on 6-7 April 2009 in Nice, in cooperation with the Union for the Mediterranean and the city of Nice. The Mediterranean basin is a densely populated area with massive potential for economic growth and great cultural diversity. Promoting the sustainable development of this region in a difficult economic climate is a major political challenge as well as a great opportunity. Strengthened cooperation and communication on both sides of the Mediterranean can foster the right conditions for quality job creation, a healthier environment, a better quality of life and geopolitical stability. During this conference, practical case-studies will be used to illustrate how civil society stakeholders approach sustainable development challenges in the Mediterranean region. The event will focus mainly on three areas: water quality, drought prevention and sustainable urban governance. In addition to these three themes, sustainable development and employment in Mediterranean countries will also be discussed. The conference will hear statements by Georgios Dassis, President of the EESC employers' group, Christian Estrosi, MP and Mayor of Nice, Chantal Jouanno, Secretary of State for Ecology, Member of the French Government and Henri Guaino, Head of the Interministerial Mission of the Union for the Mediterranean. Discussions will involve high-level speakers, including Muhammed Kharchich, Vice-President of the Urban District of Tangier, business leaders, researchers, and representatives from national Economic and Social Councils and other civil society organisations. The conference will close with a statement by Stéphane Buffetaut, President of the EESC Sustainable Development Observatory and a statement on the participation of Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions in the Union for the Mediterranean.