Ahead of the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, taking place in Rome at La Nuvola from 29 September to 2 October 2026, the ANSA studios hosted the event “Water Governance between Culture and Democracy. Towards the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum”, as part of ANSA Incontra, in collaboration with Associazione Civita.

The discussion featured Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security; Maria Spena, President of the One Water Committee – Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum 2026; and Simonetta Giordani, Secretary General of Associazione Civita. The event was moderated by Monica Paternesi.

The discussion focused on the key challenges surrounding water governance, climate change, innovation and cooperation across the Mediterranean.

President Maria Spena highlighted the Forum’s international dimension and its ambition to turn dialogue into concrete commitments. She also emphasised the strategic role of the Blue Economy, which accounts for more than 11% of Italy’s GDP and employs over one million people.

Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin stressed the need to improve the efficiency of water resource management and accelerate the measures required to address the impacts of climate change. Simonetta Giordani, meanwhile, highlighted Italy’s role as a platform for dialogue and innovation, as well as the importance of public-private cooperation.

The meeting marks another important step towards the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, which will bring together institutions, international organisations, businesses, researchers and experts in Rome to develop shared solutions and new forms of cooperation for the future of water in the Mediterranean.