Held on 12th and 13th of May 2025 during Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week, the 5th Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) ‘Energy and Climate Business Forum’ convened policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs alongside high-level representatives from key institutions such as the European Union’s DG MENA, the United Nations’ ESCWA (Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), RCREEE (Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency), GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation), Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), and STC (Saudi Telecom Company).
The gathering aimed to drive forward the sustainable energy transition and strengthen Euro–Mediterranean–Gulf cooperation on energy and climate action.
Interreg NEXT MED actively contributed to the event, reflecting the Programme’s commitment to supporting energy transition, climate resilience and regional cooperation:
- Martin Heibel, communication manager of Interreg NEXT MED Prgramme, moderated the panel “Climate Resilience in the Mediterranean and Gulf: Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions”, which focused on nature-based solutions, water scarcity, cross-border energy connectivity, and the need for collaborative governance.
- Vincent Ernoux, Coordinator of the Programme’s Branch office for the Western Mediterranean, contributed to the high-level session “UfM Solution Podium – Foresighting MENA Energy and Climate Future”, underscoring the value of transnational cooperation and the role of EU-funded programmes in shaping long-term regional strategies.
A highlight of the event was the entrepreneurs pitching session, where ten start-ups from across the MENA region presented innovative solutions – from advanced battery systems to digital platforms for energy efficiency – demonstrating the region’s growing entrepreneurial capacity to tackle climate and energy challenges.
Organised in partnership by the Union for the Mediterranean and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, the Forum reaffirmed a strong message: forging resilient Euro–Mediterranean–Gulf partnerships, unlocking finance, and empowering the next generation of innovators are essential steps toward a sustainable, secure energy future.
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