The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the European Centre for Disaster Medicine sign a Memorandum of Understanding

Within the framework of strengthening collaboration for better preparedness for emergencies, crises and natural, intentional or technological disasters, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), His Excellency Senator Enaam Mayara, and the President of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC), Professor Roberto Mugavero, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the PAM International Research Centre. The MoU is expected to pave the way for joint efforts to mitigate the impact of disasters and improve emergency response strategies in the Mediterranean region.
The signing ceremony marks a key step in promoting cooperation between PAM and CEMEC, two important institutions working to ensure the safety and well-being of communities affected by disasters. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration on disaster medicine research, training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
PAM President, H.E. Senator Enaam Mayara, welcomed the partnership, emphasising the importance of cooperation in addressing the complex challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters. By joining forces with CEMEC, PAM aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacities across the Euro-Mediterranean region, enabling its member states to respond more effectively to emergencies and protect the lives of our citizens.
Professor Roberto Mugavero, President of CEMEC, echoed Senator Mayara's sentiments, emphasising the need for a collective and coordinated approach to disaster medicine. Disasters know no boundaries, so it is imperative that we work together to improve our preparedness and response capabilities. This partnership with PAM will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, skills and best practices, ultimately leading to more resilient communities in the face of adversity.
The memorandum of understanding between PAM and CEMEC outlines several areas of collaboration, including:
Research and development: The two organisations will collaborate on joint research projects focused on disaster medicine, with the aim of improving understanding, preparedness and response strategies to various types of emergencies.
Capacity building: PAM and CEMEC will work together to develop and implement training programmes, workshops and seminars to improve the knowledge and skills of health workers, emergency responders and policy makers in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Knowledge sharing: The memorandum of understanding emphasises the importance of sharing information, good practices and lessons learned on risk management. The two organisations will facilitate the exchange of expertise, research findings and technological advances to strengthen regional capacities for prevention, preparedness, response and post-crisis analysis.
Promotion and policy development: PAM and CEMEC will work together to promote policies and structures that prioritise disaster risk reduction and preparedness at regional, national and local levels. By aligning their efforts, the organisations aim to influence policy decisions that promote resilience and mitigate the impact of disasters.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding, which was also highly appreciated by His Excellencies the Captains Regent, H.E. Alessandro Scarano and H.E. Adele Tonnini at the audience granted to the PAM and CEMEC delegation, indicates the commitment of the PAM and CEMEC to work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support. The partnership is expected to produce tangible benefits for the Euro-Mediterranean region, including improved disaster preparedness, more effective emergency response mechanisms and greater resilience to future challenges.
The collaboration between the PAM, a major intergovernmental organisation representing 31 member parliaments from the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, and CEMEC, a renowned centre of excellence focused on mitigating the impact of natural and technological disasters and protecting human life, sets a positive precedent for other regional partnerships. As disasters continue to pose a significant threat to communities around the world, such alliances become key to strengthening global resilience and promoting a culture of preparedness.
PAM and CEMEC are ready to embark on a joint journey that will help make the Mediterranean region safer and more secure, where communities can respond effectively to disasters and protect the lives and livelihoods of their citizens.