Tunis — Hammamet is currently hosting the fifth international symposium on "Energies, Climate Change and Sustainable Development".

Several experts and academics from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, France, Belgium and Italy, as well as doctoral students and representatives from regional and international institutions, took part in the seminar.

The three-day symposium focused on climate change and its impact on countries' economies, renewable energies, new environmental techniques and the preservation of sustainable development.

Chairing the meeting, the Minister of higher education, scientific research and technology, Mr Lazhar Bououni, underlined the contribution of scientific research to reach the most efficient solutions to address the negative impact of climate change on society and the economy.

"Climate changes are a major concern for the European Union which has reiterated its commitment to combat the negative effects of climate change alongside its international partners", said Mr. Adrianus Koetsenruijter, the Head of the European Commission Delegation in Tunis.

For his part, Mr Mohamed Belhoussine, the representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stressed the close relations the UN and Tunisia for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty and address the issue of climate change.

The representative of the World Bank Mr Raffaello Sarvani, commended Tunisia's efforts in the field of prevention against the negative impact of the climate change, stressing the importance of mobilising all expertise to identify solutions likely to curb its adverse effects.

Participants also addressed items on the agenda of the Congress on Climate Change which is due to be held in December 2009 under the auspices of the United Nations.