The UNEP/MAP - Barcelona Convention Executive Coordination Panel (ECP) met in Istanbul on 28-29 January 2026 to launch the planning phase of the 2026-2027 Programme of Work. Hosted by the Climate Change Regional Activity Centre (CC/RAC) at its local premises, the meeting served as a vital platform for aligning regional environmental goals. Under the leadership of UNEP/MAP Coordinator Tatjana Hema, the gathering brought together the Coordinating Unit (CU), MED POL, and the full suite of Regional Activity Centres, including Plan Bleu, PAP/RAC, REMPEC, SPA/RAC, SCP/RAC, and CC/RAC, to ensure a unified approach to the Mediterranean’s most pressing challenges.

Throughout the two-day event, the Coordinating Unit and the various RACs detailed their respective contributions to the 2026-2027 biennial plan. These discussions focused heavily on identifying synergies for joint action and pinpointing specific areas where inter-centre coordination could be further strengthened to enhance operational efficiency. The meeting also benefited from high-level scientific and financial expertise; IPCC Vice-Chair Ermira Fida presented the latest global scientific findings and shared critical outcomes from recent UNFCCC COP meetings, while Mr. Ersin Esen and Ms. Christine Haffner-Sifakis delivered presentations on the GEF (Global Environment Facility) funding scheme, highlighting its role in supporting the region's environmental objectives.

A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to the future direction of the host centre. The newly appointed Director of CC/RAC, Prof. Dr. Levent Kuzu, delivered a comprehensive presentation regarding the Centre's mandate and its priority work areas. He outlined the specific activities planned for the 2026-2027 period, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to driving climate action within the Mediterranean basin. This was complemented by the initiation of strategic talks regarding the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for 2028-2033. Participants highlighted the importance of structuring the next six-year framework around core strategic outputs that promise sustainable and transformational impact across the region.

The meeting concluded with a practical review of the 2026-2027 events calendar and a follow-up on the implementation of decisions from COP 24. Final discussions also addressed the logistics for the upcoming ECP meeting, including potential dates and venues. By fostering deep exchange and coherent planning, this Istanbul-hosted meeting successfully reinforced regional cooperation and set a clear, future-oriented strategic direction for the protection and sustainable development of the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment.