The Mediterranean Forum for Decarbonization 'DecarboMed 2024'

The National Agency for Energy Control, in collaboration with the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, and in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the European Union, and the German Agency for International Cooperation, organized today, Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at its headquarters, a press conference to present the "Mediterranean Forum for Decarbonization DecarboMed 2024," which Tunisia will host on September 24 and 25, 2024, in Tunis, under the slogan "Towards a Carbon-Free Mediterranean." The conference was attended by Mr. Fathi Hanchi, General Director of the National Agency for Energy Control, Ms. Céline Moyroud, Ambassador and Resident Representative of the UNDP in Tunisia, and Mr. Hichem Elloumi, Vice-President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts.

In his speech, Mr. Fathi Hanchi emphasized that this forum represents a crucial step in Tunisia's commitment to combating climate change and enhancing a fair and sustainable energy transition in the Mediterranean region. He stated that it is now essential to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, decarbonize the energy supply, and improve energy demand efficiency to achieve the energy transition goals. Meanwhile, Mr. Hichem Elloumi highlighted the commitment of the Tunisian private sector to keep up with developments in carbon emission reduction and meet the challenge of carbon footprint, especially since 75% of carbon emissions come from energy. He also emphasized Tunisia's commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.

Ms. Céline Moyroud noted that the technical support for the National Agency for Energy Control's programs from the UNDP in Tunisia began about 20 years ago through various programs focused on energy efficiency and renewable energies, and continues today by supporting the objectives of the first Mediterranean Forum for Decarbonization "DecarboMed 2024". She stated that addressing the carbon footprint challenge is not only a concern for Tunisia but for all countries worldwide. Ms. Céline Moyroud added that the UNDP's support mainly involves the first pilot experience of a platform to test and measure the carbon footprint level of Tunisian companies, aligning it with the goals of the strategies and programs set by the Tunisian government.

The forum's program includes 9 roundtables and 5 discussion workshops on the latest developments in carbon emission reduction, as well as exhibitions featuring national and international institutions involved in this field and companies providing equipment for reducing carbon in the energy sector. The forum will also see the launch of a platform that will help Tunisian companies understand the carbon content of their activities, products, and the various available operations and mechanisms to reduce it. Additionally, this platform will provide access to other successful experiences, the results of investments in renewable energies and the circular economy, as well as a database of about 1,000 companies offering services, equipment, and technologies that could assist industrial companies in Tunisia, particularly those focused on export, in reducing their carbon footprint.

DecarboMED 2024 also aims to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies, and identify collaboration opportunities to discover best practices and the most effective strategies for accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy in the Mediterranean region.