The opening of the 43rd CIESM Congress in Palermo brought together scientists, institutional representatives and regional authorities from across the Mediterranean, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue between science, governance and regional cooperation.
Hosted in the historic Cavallerizza of the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Congress reaffirmed the Mediterranean’s role not only as a shared marine environment, but also as a space of scientific exchange, cultural dialogue and collective responsibility towards future generations.
Throughout the opening session, regional and institutional representatives emphasized the growing need for collaborative approaches grounded in scientific knowledge to address shared environmental and marine challenges across the Mediterranean basin.
The participation of local and regional authorities alongside the scientific community reflected the importance of strengthening connections between scientific expertise, public institutions and decision-making processes.
By fostering exchanges between scientists, institutions and public actors, the 43rd CIESM Congress contributed to advancing dialogue around marine governance, sustainability and science-informed cooperation across the region.
