Experts on climate change from 16 countries - including NATO members and partners - as well as from NATO, the European Union and the African Union gathered in Rome (Italy), from 19 to 21 November 2024, to examine some of the most pressing climate-related challenges facing Europe and the Mediterranean. In the face of extreme weather events, rising sea levels and drought, the security implications across the Alliance's southern neighbourhood are significant.
The experts came together to share views and experiences on disaster management and crisis response and how to mitigate risks stemming from such events, including through the use of digital and satellite technologies. Among their key findings is the key role played by defence forces to protect social, economic, and industrial systems, and critical infrastructure.
The event is one of many that NATO convenes through its Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS). "This event demonstrates NATO's increased level of ambition in its cooperation with partners in our southern neighbourhood, within the framework of SPS. These activities contribute to building long-term practical cooperation on challenges that know no borders through dialogue and knowledge exchange," noted Dr. Claudio Palestini, Head of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme.
Kais Abu Dayyeh, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Italy, highlighted how the event "reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and NATO, which has developed over three decades under the NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue." He added that Jordan enjoys an "Enhanced Partnership status with NATO," which is going to be further bolstered by the establishment of a NATO Liaison Office in Amman.
The event, entitled "Climate Change and Natural Hazards in the Euro-Mediterranean region: Security Implications and Crisis Management," was organised by the Italian Med-Or Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, with support from the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme.
