Embracing Parliamentary Cooperation for a Resilient Mediterranean at the 19th PAM Plenary Session
On 20 February 2025, FAO Deputy Director-General – and Former Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Italy – Maurizio Martina, addressed the 19th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) in Rome, marking an important milestone in fostering dialogue and cooperation among Mediterranean nations.
The Plenary Session featured a distinguished lineup of high-level participants for a discourse on regional cooperation and collective action. Opening the session, H.E. Hon. Enaam Mayara, PAM President emphasized the need for unity and support among member countries, particularly in light of the recent ceasefire in Gaza.
H.E. Antonio Tajani, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored Italy's vision for the Mediterranean as a “sea of peace,” highlighting the significance of inter-faith dialogue and cultural exchange.
Hon. Dubravka Šuica, EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, provided insights into the new EU Directorate for the Middle East and North Africa, while various other distinguished representatives—including H.E. Dr. Mishaal Al-Salmi of Saudi Arabia, Hon. Mohamed Abou El Enein from Egypt, and H.E. Hon. Hamda Hassan A. Al-Sulaiti of Qatar—shared their perspectives on the necessity for collaboration among Mediterranean nations to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
The vital role of political dialogue in addressing pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region
FAO’s Martina emphasized that the Mediterranean finds itself at a pivotal crossroads amidst what many are referring to as a poly-crisis—characterized by conflicts, environmental challenges and economic instability. He underscored the importance of confronting global food insecurity and malnutrition, citing alarming statistics that reveal over 780 million people experienced hunger in 2023, while approximately 2.4 billion individuals still lack sufficient daily access to food. These sobering figures reflect the urgency of addressing one of humanity's most fundamental needs.
Martina pointed to the contradictions within current agricultural systems, where one-third of food produced is wasted while millions face hunger. He also drew attention to the “nutrition paradox,” where child malnutrition coexists with rising rates of obesity among adults. These intertwined issues, he asserted, cannot be effectively tackled in isolation.
Recognizing the unique strengths of parliamentary bodies such as PAM, Martina called for a united effort to leverage legislative power for effective policy actions on food security. He referenced a UN Resolution passed in December 2022, which underscored the crucial role of parliaments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Strengthening collaboration between governments and legislative assemblies is essential for addressing food security challenges effectively.
FAO’s commitment to supporting parliamentary collaboration for food security and nutrition
Martina reasserted FAO's commitment to supporting parliamentarians in their legislative, budgetary and representative efforts. He noted that the FAO has collaborated on the establishment of over 100 new laws aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition, as well as facilitating two Global Parliamentary Summits, which have resulted in significant commitments against hunger and malnutrition. The effective sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices across parliamentary networks is vital for tackling these pressing challenges.
Additionally, he expressed the belief that the Mediterranean region's shared cultural values can be vital in fostering resilience and equitable growth in rural communities. The Mediterranean diet, rooted in sustainability, presents an opportunity for collaborative initiatives. However, he also highlighted the common challenges the region faces, such as climate change, which is affecting the Mediterranean at an accelerated pace.
Martina called for robust discussions among assembly members to seek solutions. He stressed the importance of mobilizing resources for countries struggling with undernourishment while emphasizing the long-term goals of sustainability and equity within agrifood systems.
The transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable must be prioritized in policies and actions, particularly as multifaceted challenges disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations—women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and those living in poverty.
A Mediterranean that prioritizes food security, justice and sustainable development
Concluding his address, Martina encouraged all participants to seize the opportunities presented at the plenary session, urging collaboration as a pathway toward a resilient Mediterranean. The assembly, he affirmed, represents a collective platform through which Mediterranean nations can work together to address global challenges.
As the session continues, the FAO remains committed to supporting member states in their efforts to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, fostering a future where every individual has access to food, and strengthening partnerships across the region.
