• UNESCOMED and MedMAB met with UNESCO Venice to explore opportunities for  future cooperation in the Mediterranean region.
• The meeting provided an opportunity to present the UNESCOMED Centre’s  2025–2030 Strategy and the activities of the MedMAB Network.
• The exchange allowed both institutions to identify synergies and areas  of common interest for future collaboration.

On 20 May 2026, representatives of the UNESCOMED Center and the MedMAB visited the UNESCO Regional Bureau for  Science and Culture in Europe in Venice, Italy, for a productive meeting aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation and identifying opportunities for future collaboration.

The meeting brought together Núria Pou, Coordinator of the UNESCOMED Center, and Alba Bonàs, Coordinator of the MedMAB Network, with Magdalena Landry, Director of UNESCO Venice, and Samuel Partey, Head of the Science Unit.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to present the UNESCOMED Center, its recently approved 2025–2030 Strategy, and its ongoing work promoting sustainable development, capacity building, and international cooperation within the framework of UNESCO MAB Programme across the Mediterranean region. The discussion also highlighted the role of MedMAB as a key thematic network connecting Biosphere Reserves and fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives among Mediterranean territories.

During the meeting, participants learned more about the activities and priorities of UNESCO Venice. The office plays a central role in advancing UNESCO’s programmes in the fields of natural sciences, culture, education, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on South-East Europe and the Mediterranean basin. Its work includes supporting Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO Global Geoparks, integrated natural resource management, science diplomacy, and culture-based approaches to sustainable development.

The exchange allowed both institutions to identify several areas of common interest and potential synergies, particularly in relation to Biosphere Reserves, youth engagement, capacity-building activities, sustainable development initiatives, and the strengthening of Mediterranean cooperation networks.

The UNESCOMED delegation would like to express its sincere gratitude to UNESCO Venice for the warm welcome and fruitful discussions. The meeting marks a first step towards building stronger ties and exploring future collaborative actions that can contribute to UNESCO’s shared objectives across the Mediterranean region.