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European meeting to look at sustainable development

Υπουργός Γεωργίας – Συνέντευξη Τύ
File photo: Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis

Cyprus aims to make a “substantial contribution” towards the achievement of the 2030 UN sustainable development goals through the organisation of the 9th Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said Wednesday.

Speaking a few days before the Environment for Europe (EfE) conference will be held at the Filoxenia conference centre in Nicosia, Kadis referred to the importance of the high level conference, the goals of the Cyprus Republic and the subjects to be discussed at the event.

Hosting the conference is a “great honour for our country”, Kadis said, explaining this is the first time it is taking place in the Mediterranean.

The Ninth Ministerial Conference will take place from October 5 to 7 with over 70 ministers and deputy ministers as well as high level officials from international organisations in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia and Europe taking part. Over 1,000 participants have registered, Kadis said.

He added that the main goals of the Republic are the successful organisation of the conference and to draw “important conclusions that will help protect the environment and strengthen our efforts for sustainable development in Europe”.

The special feature of this year’s conference, Kadis said, is that it will bring together officials not only from the environmental sector, but also from the fields of education, tourism, industry and foreign policy.

“It will therefore provide a unique opportunity for participants to discuss and exchange experiences and best practices in finding sustainable solutions for environmental protection, for strengthening the circular economy, for promoting sustainable tourism and sustainable infrastructure, and for education for the environment and sustainable development.

According to the minister, “our main objective through the conference is to make a substantial contribution to the achievement of the sustainable development goals set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.”

The ninth ministerial conference marks 30 years of cooperation on environmental issues in Europe. The discussions expected to take place will significantly strengthen the three policy documents and the ministerial declaration, which are to be adopted by the participants at the end of the conference.

“These documents will provide the framework on which we will build for the formulation of our national strategies,” the minister said.

The first theme of the conference is sustainable infrastructure, Kadis said, adding the importance of countries to achieve a sustainable economic recovery.

He added that the environmental challenges facing the tourism sector will be addressed in the second thematic section.

“Tourist destinations such as Cyprus face additional environmental challenges, especially in the area of waste management. Discussions during the conference aim to find effective economic models that promote the circular economy of the tourism sector, while contributing to the economic development of the countries.”

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