The people of the Mediterranean are going through delicate, difficult times, marked by uncertainty. The East Mediterranean has been suffering from the Syrian crisis for three years now. Israel’s ongoing colonisation of Palestine compromises prospects of a peaceful coexistence of two States. And in some countries a democratic transition is still not fully guaranteed. Elected officials gathered in Marseille on 4 April 2013 during the 3^rd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean stressed the need of placing once again peace and reconciliation at the centre of their work and discussions. They asked the international community to bring to bear as much pressure as possible to help stop the war in Syria and to assist neighbouring local governments in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey in managing the influx of migrant families from Syria, and to give them rapid financial support.

They also reaffirmed their will to contribute to the creation of a Mediterranean space of peace and solidarity, a space in which projects will deliver concrete results for the citizens.Together with other UCLG commissions and working groups dedicated to these issues, the Mediterranean Commission of UCLG participates in discussions and in the formulation of concrete proposals in matters relating to diplomacy and peace. Gathered in the Political Council of the Mediterranean Commission, elected officials committed themselves to address as one the international community asking for stronger actions in favour of peace, stability and development in conflict zones.

The also committed themselves to approach cooperation partnerships as an opportunity to implement innovative approaches, strengthen solidarity among peoples, as well as territories, and contribute to peace building.

 

Meeting “Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue and Civil Society : Strategic Proposals and Concrete Actions”

 

The Aix Group with the support of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and UCLG Mediterranean Commission has organised a meeting on 8th June 2015 in Marseille on “Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue and Civil Society : Strategic Proposals and Concrete Actions”.

 

 

 

 The UCLG Mediterranean Commission has organised a round table on “Civic Commitments and Concrete Actions”  with  elected representatives, management representatives and NGOs from Israel and Palestine to debate on  initiatives and  links existing on the ground.

The report is available here 150608_Compte rendu TR II_EN