21 September 2023
In a meticulous display of adherence to UN security protocols and in accordance with the directives outlined in the Security Management Operations Manual, the UNDSS Turkiye played a pivotal role in ensuring the secure execution of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) Focal Points Meeting, held in Istanbul, Turkiye, from 11 to 15 September 2023.
This crucial meeting, organized within the framework of the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution, widely recognized as the Barcelona Convention, brought together representatives from 21 countries, the European Union, Regional Activity Centres, and other relevant focal points. Their shared objective was to promote the protection and sustainable utilization of the Mediterranean marine environment, marking a significant step towards environmental preservation in the region.
The foundation for this successful collaboration was laid in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Tukiye and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This framework set the stage for the United Nations' critical involvement in ensuring the meeting's security.
Throughout the duration of the event, the UNDSS worked seamlessly with the government’s security team at the Hilton Bakırkoy Hotel, where the meeting took place. Together, they implemented all mandated security measures, creating a secure environment for all participants. This collaborative commitment not only underscored the event's success but also served the broader goal of safeguarding the ecological health and sustainability of the Mediterranean environment.
With the combined efforts of the United Nations, the Turkish Government, and all participating nations, the event marked an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding ecosystems.