Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, highlights how the organisation brings together 43 countries to address shared challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and regional integration. He sheds light on key priorities such as sustainable development, climate action, and youth empowerment, while sharing advice for the next generation of changemakers. Read more in this interview.

• What is the Union for the Mediterranean and how does it contribute to addressing key challenges in the region?

The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is an intergovernmental organisation that brings together 43 countries from Europe and the Mediterranean basin to promote dialogue, cooperation, and regional integration. Established in 2008, it provides a platform for its Member States to jointly address shared challenges and seize opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The organisation focuses on key priorities such as sustainable economic development, climate action and energy transition, digital transformation, civil protection, social inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment, among others. Through its political dialogue at ministerial level, regional expert platforms, and a growing portfolio of cooperation initiatives and projects, the UfM helps foster stability, connectivity and prosperity in the region. 

•  What ongoing UfM initiatives or opportunities should young people in the Southern Neighbourhood know about?

Guided by the UfM Youth Strategy 2030, youth engagement is a core, cross-cutting priority.  Two key initiatives reflect this commitment. The UfM Energy and Climate Action Youth Delegates Programme is a year-long journey for young leaders aged 20 to 30, offering hands-on experience in regional climate and energy policy. Participants co-design initiatives, attend international events such as COP30, and receive mentoring from UfM experts.

The UfM Med Youth Lab, for youth aged 18 to 30, combines online training with a three-day in-person workshop. Participants collaborate in teams to develop regional project proposals, which they pitch to UfM institutional and civil society stakeholders. This year’s edition will take place in Tirana (Albania), which is 2025 Mediterranean Capital of Culture & Dialogue together with Alexandria (Egypt). As part of its new strategic framework, the UfM is also developing a Youth Mainstreaming Plan to embed youth perspectives across all its sectoral initiatives. 

• What advice do you wish you had received when you were 20?

If I could give my 20-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be to follow your passion, even if it means taking risks or changing direction. At that age, I started studying medicine, believing it was the “right” path. But deep down, I felt a strong calling toward diplomacy and international relations. After my first year, I made the difficult decision to switch paths and pursue what truly inspired me. That choice shaped my entire career and gave me a deep sense of purpose.