Director Raúl Compés attended the 153rd CIHEAM Governing Board meeting that was held in Tricase (Italy) from July 3 to 4 and was chaired for the first time by Frida Krifca, Minister of Agriculture of Albania and President of CIHEAM since 1 April 2023. This meeting was also a first for the new CIHEAM Secretary General, Teodoro Miano.
Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of the CIHEAM, pointed out that “the CIHEAM Governing Board meeting is a fundamental occasion to strengthen relationships among the countries' representatives and plan common ground of the sustainability of food systems in the Mediterranean region". He added that "several challenges would be engaging CIHEAM in the near future. The need to reinforce political visibility and international recognition should cope with a continuing effort in promoting human capabilities and communities, providing educational tools and technical assistance in cooperation actions in fields where CIHEAM operates".
In addition to the discussions on strategic issues and the adoption of administrative decisions, these intense two days included field visits (Food4Health Lab) and rich exchanges with the local CIHEAM ecosystem (authorities, students, staff, associations, etc.).
A special opening ceremony preceded the meeting on the new premises of the CIHEAM Bari branch at Tricase, entirely dedicated to sustainable fisheries, coastal development, and the blue economy.
This opening ceremony was hosted by Frida Krifca who welcomed CIHEAM Delegates and the local and national representatives brought together for this special occasion. “I am very pleased and honoured to host the Special Opening Ceremony of the first CIHEAM Governing Board which I am chairing as its President”.
President Krifca also thanked Mohammed Sadiki (former President of the CIHEAM Governing Board and current Minister of Agriculture of Morocco), Plácido Plaza (former Secretary General of the CIHEAM), and Lamiae Ghaouti (former President of the CIHEAM Advisory Board) by awarding them an honorary medal as a sign of great recognition for their exceptional contribution to CIHEAM.
“I thank the CIHEAM for this recognition, which means a lot to me. We need to maintain our efforts to promote Mediterranean cooperation because we are facing multiple crises that are weighing heavily on the region. Through its training, research, cooperation, and political dialogue activities, the CIHEAM can work for a Mediterranean alliance at the service of sustainable food sovereignty based on solidarity”
Minister Sadiki
"The young Mediterranean people that we are extremely pleased to train and support are the CIHEAM's most precious wealth and they give the most essential meaning to the missions of the CIHEAM. With its thousands of ALUMNI today, the CIHEAM is more than an Organization, it is a community that we are committed to preserving and growing".
Yasmine Seghirate El Guerrab on behalf of Plácido Plaza
Following the Medals Ceremony, Antonio Bernardini and Cristina Hanaberg, Expo 2030 Roma Representatives, presented the vision and objectives of the Italian candidacy to host the 2030 Universal Exhibition. To conclude, Antonio Errico, President of Magna Grecia Mare, shared insights on the captivating "Eco-Porto Museo" experience in Tricase. This innovative project is an example of harmonious blend of ecological principles and cultural heritage, highlighting the commitment of Tricase to sustainable development and responsible tourism.
The ceremony ended with renewed optimism and the determination to collectively build a prosperous Mediterranean future through rich discussions held with the students of the specialised course "Sustainable Development of Coastal Communities".
