International Conference on Climate Crisis: Cyprus takes a leading role in shaping a safe and sustainable future for the region

A message calling for strengthened regional and international cooperation, so that climate change can be transformed from a challenge into an opportunity for building more resilient economies, sustainable societies and a safer future for all, was conveyed by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the International Conference on Climate Crisis.

The Conference titled “Climate Action in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East: Regional Cooperation Empowered by Science and Innovation” is held within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. It is co-organised by the Cyprus Institute and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus on 8–9 April 2026 in Lefkosia. It brings together government officials from foreign countries, distinguished scientists, policymakers and representatives of international organisations, with the shared goal of strengthening regional cooperation and promoting science diplomacy in one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change globally.

In his message during the opening ceremony, President Christodoulides stated that the International Conference on Climate Change must go beyond dialogue and deliver tangible outcomes, reinforcing the commitment of all to act collectively, decisively and without delay. He noted that “this is a difficult path that must be travelled together, so that the region, recognised as one of the most vulnerable in the world to climate change, can assume a leading role in addressing its impacts”. In this effort, he stressed science, policy and innovation must be aligned, while regional and international cooperation must be strengthened. 

In her address, the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Ms Dubravka Šuica, noted that the wider region is currently experiencing a period of intense crisis. She pointed out that high fossil fuel prices and dependency on them are placing a significant burden on economies, while climate impacts are intensifying, causing serious losses. She also stressed the need for a shift in direction, highlighting the considerable potential of the Mediterranean, particularly the Southern Mediterranean, in the field of renewable energy. The Commissioner also referred to the importance of regional cooperation and initiatives that support investments in clean technologies, reducing investment risk and mobilising private capital. Finally, she noted that the transition to sustainable energy models requires time; however, the opportunities are substantial and the challenges are urgent, rendering collective action supported by science and innovation essential.

The urgent need for immediate, coordinated and science-based action to address the impacts of climate change on seas and coastal communities was highlighted by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Mr Costas Kadis, during his address at the International Conference.

Mr Kadis underlined that the Eastern Mediterranean, as a region of particular geopolitical and environmental significance, is on the frontline of climate change impacts, stressing that “the climate crisis is also an ocean crisis”. He noted that rising sea temperatures in the Mediterranean, marine heatwaves, acidification and the spread of invasive species are already transforming marine ecosystems, directly affecting fisheries, tourism and the sustainability of coastal communities.

Referring to European Union policies, the Commissioner placed particular emphasis on the European Ocean Pact, while also highlighting the OceanEye initiative, which is expected to play a key role in improving understanding and forecasting of climate change impacts.

Prince El Hassan bin Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a prominent international figure known for his initiatives addressing climate and environmental threats, sounded the alarm, noting that the Eastern Mediterranean is currently facing a situation where instability has already become a regional condition. The World Bank, he stressed, warns that prospects for 2025 are surrounded by uncertainty due to ongoing conflicts and extreme weather events. At the same time, citing UNICEF data, he highlighted that 95 million people, including 45 million children, face life-threatening risks, while the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals exceeds 4.2 trillion dollars annually and global military spending is rapidly increasing, reaching 2.7 trillion dollars. For this reason, he called for cooperation centred on science and innovation to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Opening remarks were also delivered by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Maria Panayiotou, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nicodemos Damianou, the Honorary President of the Cyprus Institute and Scientific Director of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI), Professor Costas N. Papanicolas, and the President of the Cyprus Institute, Professor Stavros Malas.

The Conference, which constitutes an important milestone ahead of the Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government to be held in Lefkosia on 23 April 2026, will focus on critical aspects of the climate crisis, including climate science, the energy transition, water systems and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on cross-border cooperation and policy implementation.

The climate crisis is emerging as one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, with its consequences expected to be particularly severe for Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, regions among the most vulnerable globally. In this context, the need for immediate and coordinated planning to implement meaningful actions is more urgent than ever, with cooperation among states being a decisive factor in effectively addressing the crisis.

Photos 

See photos from the event on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account