The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), a group consisting of 42 countries including Croatia, has decided to designate 28 November International Day of the Mediterranean in order to promote what they call 'Mediterranean identity' and cooperation in the region.

“The Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) declare 28 November as the ‘International Day of the Mediterranean’, to be observed from now on each year with a view to fostering a common Mediterranean identity while promoting intercultural exchanges and embracing the diversity of the region,” the organisation says on its web site.

“The cultural dimension will also be an important component as it will provide an occasion to hold events, exhibitions and festivals across the region with a view to strengthening ties between the two shores, promoting intercultural exchange and dialogue, and embracing the diversity of the region.”

Last week, the UfM held the fifth Mediterranean regional forum and the three-day event was organised online.

Ministers of the member states agreed on making more efforts in the promotion of trade and investments in the Mediterranean and in the preservation of the marine environment as well as in the empowerment and employment of women and youth.

The forum was organised on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the UfM.

The UfM Secretary General, Nasser Kamel, was quoted as saying that “this anniversary comes at a time of great disruption for the region, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis with severe economic and social impacts. Covid-19 is a stark reminder of the need for tangible cooperation across borders, sectors and peoples.”

“However, we should not forget the hard-earned progress of the last 25 years, nor give up on regaining the momentum that has thus far marked our collective endeavours. Thanks to the human capital and immense potential of the region, our story must continue as one of hope as we build the future we all want to see.”