Women Economic Forum for Mediterranean 2025: empowering change from Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

Claudia Laricchia

Challenges and opportunities for one of the most strategic hubs of the future

The Mediterranean is a climate, environmental, cultural, social, economic, geopolitical hotspot whose fate reflects and influences global trends. It is a long cradle of civilization, and is now a global barometer: what happens here will shape the resilience of the entire planet. This happens both for challenges and opportunities.

Indeed, from one side, as marine life dies off due to rising temperatures, acidification, and pollution, the Mediterranean risks becoming a “desert in the sea,” with severe consequences for global fish stocks and food chains. On land, desertification and soil degradation – accelerated by droughts and unsustainable land use – are reducing agricultural productivity and driving food insecurity across southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Water scarcity is deepening due to both climate change and poor governance, while the energy crisis grows more complex as fossil fuel dependencies intersect with fragile supply routes across the region. These cascading crises contribute to rising instability and displacement, fuelling migration flows toward Europe and beyond. The challenges facing the Mediterranean today are urgent and interconnected.

The Mediterranean Sea is warming 20% faster than the global average, with extreme marine heatwaves becoming the new normal. Just recently, off the coast of Ancona, Italy, 100% of mussel populations died due to a prolonged heatwave. Specifically, the Mediterranean Sea recorded a mean surface temperature of 23.86 ± 0.47 °C, the highest ever measured for June. A staggering 62% of the basin was enveloped in high-intensity marine heatwaves – far exceeding last year’s 40%.

In September 2024, Cyclone Boris caused record-breaking rainfall in Central Europe, killing 24 people – an event made twice as likely by climate change, according to World Weather Attribution. Storms and floods are intensifying: from the deadly 2022 Balearic storm to the 2023 Emilia-Romagna floods and Cyclone Daniel in Libya, which claimed thousands of lives. The EU has already allocated €10 billion in recovery efforts, and scientists warn that climate-related disasters will become increasingly costly.

On top of that, youth unemployment is above 25% in many Mediterranean countries and women’s labor force participation remains well below men’s (42% vs. 70%). According to the 2024 UN SDG Gender Snapshot, only 60% of Mediterranean countries are on track to reach SDG 5: Gender Equality by 2030. The need for accelerated action is clear.

So, the Mediterranean is enduring a brutal assault from record marine heat and raging wildfires – both signs of a region in rapid climate upheaval. Immediate, large-scale interventions are essential to protect both land and sea ecosystems. Issues are related to ecosystem collapse risk, amplified heat on land and of course the need for urgent actions.

Global platforms. Collective efforts. Local actions.

The huge aforementioned challenges require global vision, international platforms, collective efforts and local actions. That’s why the The Women Economic Forum is bringing in Italy a global initiative focused on Mediterranea.

The Women Economic Forum (WEF) is a global initiative advancing women’s leadership across all sectors. Together with the G100, a group of influential women leaders including Nobel laureates, heads of state, CEOs, and academics, WEF has mobilized over 500,000 members in 150 countries. Their goal is clear: achieve gender equality and build inclusive economies and societies.

The Women Economic Forum for Mediterranean 2025, taking place in Palermo, Sicily, on October 30–31 and November 1st. This landmark event will put the Mediterranean at the epicenter of global conversation, connecting relations, business, opportunities, environmental impact, culture, diplomacy, and art—rooted in a sea that has long been a cradle of civilization and a bridge between continents.

As Malala Yousafzai reminds us: “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” This embodies the vision of Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, (Dr. Arora Rai is a thought Leader, Global Icon & Visionary for Women, Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Author, Humanitarian, Spiritual Seeker and Compelling Speaker).

Palermo (Sicily, Italy): a strategic choice

Why Palermo? With 650,000 residents, Palermo is Sicily’s capital and one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cities. Its streets tell stories of Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Italian influence—symbolizing the intersection of cultures, resilience, and transformation. Its strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean makes it a natural bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Choosing Palermo is both a tribute to its layered history and a vision for its future.

Seven core themes. Seven Mediterranean opportunities.

The Forum will focus on seven key thematic areas, each deeply rooted in the Mediterranean context:

Gender Gap – The Mediterranean can become a testing ground for new social contracts where equity and inclusion are no longer optional, but foundational.

Climate Justice – From Libya to Southern Italy, women and vulnerable communities are already on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The Forum will amplify their leadership in building resilient futures.

Food Systems & Innovation – The region’s ancient agricultural traditions can meet cutting-edge innovation to create sustainable, local food systems that nourish both people and planet.

Healthcare – Unequal access across the Mediterranean calls for digital innovation, cross-border collaboration, and women-led solutions in public health.

Algorithms & Truth – Misinformation and algorithmic bias disproportionately affect women and minorities. The Mediterranean offers a living lab for ethical tech rooted in human rights.

Space, Peace & Security – With ongoing conflicts and migration crises, the region must lead a new narrative of peace and cooperation—with women as diplomats and peacebuilders.

Education for the Future – Education systems need to prepare the next generation for green jobs, democratic values, and digital transitions—especially for girls and young women.

Voices that Inspire

The Forum proudly welcomes extraordinary global changemakers.

Ms. Hind Aboud Kabawat Minister of Social and Labour Affairs in the Syrian transitional government since 2025. She is a Syrian-Canadian politician, international counsel . She served as Director of Interfaith Peacebuilding at George Mason University’s Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution and deputy head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission’s Geneva Office.

Besides, she is the President and founder of Tastakel Women Organisation and former Deputy Head, Syrian Negotiations Commission Office, Geneva Mission, Switzerland. Her voice will greatly enrich the discussion, helping us reflect on the shared challenges and opportunities for advancing equity and sustainable peace in the region.

Anne-Claire de Liedekerke, President of Make Mothers Matter (MMM), a global network advocating for the rights and recognition of mothers since 1947. MMM works with the UN, EU, and UNESCO to highlight mothers’ central role in development. Hamida Aman, Afghan media entrepreneur and founder of Radio Begum and the Begum Organization for Women, a courageous voice for Afghan women and girls silenced by repression. Named among BBC’s 100 Women of 2024, Hamida is a symbol of resilience and cultural freedom.

A Collective Mission. A Global Opportunity

Under the visionary leadership of President Marilena Citelli Francese, the WEF Mediterranean Summit will not only unite women leaders across borders but spark a new Mediterranean narrative—one rooted in equity, sustainability, and peace. This is more than a forum. It is a collective mission to co-create a Mediterranean—and a world – where no one is left behind.

Claudia Laricchia : Women Economic Forum Italy – Public Affairs Director; SMILY Academy, President; Global Forum of Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Justice Forum, Head of Strategic International Cooperation; European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability and Rome Business School, Professor.

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