Athens, December 2 – The Greek capital has become the focal point of regional dialogue with the official launch of the first edition of the ‘Atlas’ International Mediterranean Forum. Organised under the patronage of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Greece, the forum commenced on Monday, December 1, 2025, and is set to continue until December 3, under the theme ‘The Mediterranean Sea… a space for civilisational connection and convergence between its two shores’. The event is being held in the multipurpose cultural hall of the municipality of Heraklion – Athens.
High-Level Diplomatic Representation Marks Forum Opening
The forum, a collaborative effort between the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Greece, the municipality of Heraklion – Athens, and the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Greece, saw a significant turnout of diplomatic representatives on its opening day. Attendees included ambassadors from Mediterranean and French-speaking nations, delegates from various diplomatic missions, mayors, academics, experts, and thinkers hailing from both shores of the Mediterranean. Notably, the Director General of the International Organisation for Francophone Cooperation and Security of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also present, underscoring the strategic importance of the gathering.
Strategic Dimension and Strengthening Cultural Ties
The opening session served to highlight the forum’s critical role as a platform for fostering dialogue and cultivating a unified vision for addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting the Mediterranean region. Nikos Babalos, the Mayor of Heraklion, emphasised the foundational nature of this inaugural edition in solidifying cultural bonds among Mediterranean peoples. He extended his gratitude to the Moroccan Embassy for initiating and promoting this new avenue for cooperation. Stefan Estermann, the Swiss Ambassador and dean of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Greece, further stressed the forum’s strategic significance, noting its contribution to building a common civilisational and cultural foundation among Mediterranean countries with a Francophone heritage. Mohammed Sbihi, the Moroccan Ambassador to Greece, expressed appreciation to the organisers and participants, reiterating that the primary objective is to establish a lasting framework for dialogue and collaboration to tackle shared regional challenges, encompassing cultural, social, and geopolitical aspects.
Scientific Sessions Delve into Mediterranean History and Transformations
The first day’s agenda featured two scientific sessions that brought together experts from Morocco, Greece, France, and other Mediterranean countries, facilitating a comprehensive re-evaluation of the Mediterranean’s historical context and contemporary transformations.
Session One: ‘The Mediterranean as a historical space for civilisational exchange’
- Othman Bentaleb (Morocco), human rights activist and director general of Anbaa Express, presented an analysis titled ‘The role of Morocco and the Mediterranean dimension: from historical exchange to strategic vision’.
- Pavlos Kavouras (Greece), professor emeritus of cultural anthropology, offered insights on ‘The Mediterranean as a historical region of civilisational communication’.
- Mohammed Haddaoui Thabit (France), coordination manager at the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, discussed ‘Green economy and innovation in the Mediterranean region’.
- Panagiotis Andrikopoulos (Greece), lawyer at the Athens Bar Association, explored ‘The Mediterranean: a divided world and a unified world – legal and political perspectives’.
Session Two: ‘Towards a shared vision between Arab and Western countries in the Mediterranean region’
This session focused on crucial issues such as democracy, historical memory, cultural diplomacy, and the importance of professional skills. Key speakers included:
- Stamos Papastamos, academic and former dean of Pantion University, who spoke on ‘Democracy in the Mediterranean and the contributions of Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Morocco to its consolidation’.
- Nabil Driouch (Morocco), journalist and writer specialising in history and politics, who provided an analysis of ‘The shared memory between Morocco and Spain: from disputed history to civilised neighbourliness’.
- Taha Riadi (France), researcher in law and political science at the University of Bordeaux, delivered a presentation on ‘Youth and cultural diplomacy: a new generation for a unified Mediterranean vision.’
- Abdelkhalek Hassani (France), professor and community activist, who presented ‘Moroccan skills in Europe as a driver of shared development in the Mediterranean.’
Rediscovering Common Mediterranean Heritage
The ‘Atlas’ Forum, in its inaugural edition, is dedicated to the rediscovery and enhancement of the shared Mediterranean heritage. It aims to foster cultural and scientific dialogue, and to generate collective reflections on critical contemporary issues, including identity, migration, climate change, media, and opportunities for regional cooperation. The three-day event is structured around a rich programme of debates, conferences, and intellectual exchange sessions, designed to facilitate a deeper understanding and collaboration across the Mediterranean basin.
Source: atalayar.com
