On 26–27 March 2026, senior leaders from 26 Mediterranean National Societies gathered in Acireale, Italy, for the Mediterranean Leadership Meeting. Convened under the Mediterranean Conference framework and supported by the IFRC Solferino Academy, the meeting brought leaders together to navigate a rapidly evolving humanitarian landscape and strengthen collective direction across the region.

As Gintare Guzeviciute, Senior Advisor Leadership and Transformation at the IFRC Solferino Academy, reflected:

“At a time when the environment is becoming more fragmented and uncertain, creating the conditions for honest leadership dialogue is not a luxury; it is a strategic necessity. This is at the core of how the IFRC Solferino Academy works, supporting leaders to step back from immediate pressures, make sense of complexity together, and strengthen how they act moving forward.”

A region at a turning point

Participants shared a clear recognition: the Mediterranean is entering a new phase. Evolving migration governance, shifting security dynamics, and rising political polarization are reshaping humanitarian action.

These developments are testing the auxiliary role of National Societies, challenging neutrality, and placing greater demands on leadership. Ongoing crises in the Middle East further underscored the implications for humanitarian access, public trust, and respect for international humanitarian law.

Leadership under pressure

Across discussions, leaders reflected on a common reality—decisions are becoming more consequential in an environment of heightened scrutiny.

Peer exchanges surfaced concrete dilemmas, from navigating cooperation with state authorities on migration, to maintaining credibility in polarized contexts, and balancing public positioning with operational access. These conversations highlighted the increasing political, operational, and reputational risks shaping leadership today.

From reflection to collective direction

Building on these exchanges, participants explored what this moment requires from humanitarian leadership. There was strong convergence around the need for clarity, courage, and unity, alongside greater capacity to navigate political complexity, manage risk, and safeguard trust. At the same time, leaders reaffirmed what must remain non-negotiable—adherence to humanitarian principles.

The second day focused on how acting together can strengthen influence and protect humanitarian space. Participants identified shared risks that require collective approaches, as well as opportunities for Mediterranean actors to more actively shape global humanitarian discussions.

Looking ahead to the next Mediterranean Conference in Cyprus in 2027, leaders built on the Cairo Declaration to identify priority issues and help shape the next phase of cooperation.

While the meeting did not aim to produce formal resolutions, it strengthened relationships and sharpened alignment across leadership—an essential foundation for navigating what comes next.rian system.