The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and the Union of Mediterranean Architects (UMAR) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to better structure their ongoing cooperation, in line with their shared vision and commitments in a number of issues of common interest in the region.
PAM and UMAR discussed future activities during a courtesy visit to the PAM Headquarters in Malta on the occasion of the UMAR’s Bureau meeting, on 14 December 2012.
The Architects delegation, led by Prof Andre Bekhazi, UMAR President and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture of Beirut, Lebanon, included architects from Cyprus, Malta, Turkey and Spain.
The meeting with PAM Secretary General, Amb. Sergio Piazzi, touched upon topics such as building energy efficiency, education and construction codes and regulations. PAM is particularly focused on energy issues through its sectoral group within the PAM Panel on Trade and Investments in the Mediterranean and is spearheading, together with MEDREG and Med-Tso the setting up of the Mediterranean Community of Energy, as agreed during the high level energy conference held in Ouarzazate, Morocco, under the patronage of H.M. Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and hosted by the House of Councilors.
“Urban development in the Mediterranean region and a more environment friendly approach energy saving, efficiency, production, distribution and consumption, are important aspects that require immediate attention, in particular at the planning stage. Architects and civil engineers have an important role to play together with parliamentarians, for a better legislative process to regulate future projects”, PAM Secretary General said.
PAM is set to pursue its commitment to serve as a bridge between the legislators and the stakeholders, between the public and the private actors in the various sectors of interest in the Mediterranean.
“The way forward is through closer cooperation, where socio-political objectives and trade, investments and economic interests, can focus on a string of coordinated efforts aimed at securing stability and a sustainable and sound development for the population of the region”, Amb. Piazzi concluded.