The Global Sea Forum in Bizerte, Tunisia, was inaugurated on September 24, 2026, by Rym Benzina, president of La Saison Bleue. The forum focuses on solidarity among Mediterranean cities, with a shared objective of strengthening coastal resilience to environmental emergencies and building sustainable collective responses. The discussions aim to bring together scientists, international experts, and representatives of Tunisian municipalities to address these pressing issues.
The Share4Med project was highlighted during the afternoon session, which serves as a decision-making tool for local authorities. The platform aims to create a regional coalition and a common transition agenda by 2027. Various stakeholders, including Giulia Antidormi from SDG4MED, Boumediene Beladjine from the University of Oran, and Suzan Kholeif, an expert in climate and marine environment based in Alexandria, shared their experiences and insights.
A session interactive featured several engaged figures who shared their field experiences, including Tawfik Hassan from the University of Tripoli, Fayçal Mechri from the municipality of Kerkennah, and a delegation from the municipality of Mahdia. The day concluded with the presentation of a roadmap of commitments and the official creation of the CirceMed association, a network of organizations promoting circular economy for ecological and social transition in the Mediterranean region.
The forum participants praised the organization of the event, which was marked by punctuality and a rich debate. The discussions were followed by the presentation of a roadmap of commitments and the creation of CirceMed. The focus now shifts to the fight against plastic pollution, with Rym Benzina emphasizing the need for a drastic reduction in plastic pollution at its source.
The second day of the forum focuses on the fight against plastic pollution, with discussions centered on the global treaty against plastic pollution. The agenda includes an examination of the scientific landscape, the realities in Tunisia, and the positions of governments and the European Union on the blue economy and maritime policies.
The afternoon session will highlight multi-actor alliances, including the PlasticMed Lab project, civil society initiatives, and synergies between Mediterranean cities. The youth will take center stage with a focus on environmental education through marine protected areas and youth ocean clubs.
The forum aims to bring together various stakeholders to address environmental emergencies in the Mediterranean region. The discussions will focus on building sustainable collective responses and strengthening coastal resilience. The event has been marked by a rich debate and a clear commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
Key points
- The forum aims to strengthen coastal resilience to environmental emergencies and build sustainable collective responses.
- The Share4Med project serves as a decision-making tool for local authorities to create a regional coalition and a common transition agenda.
- The fight against plastic pollution is a key focus of the forum, with discussions centered on the global treaty against plastic pollution.
