The PABSEC Delegation composed of Mr. Adrian Lebedinschi, head of the PABSEC Moldovan delegation, Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, PABSEC Secretary General, and Mr. Miltiadis Makrygiannis, PABSEC Deputy Secretary General, participated in the 12th International Black Sea Symposium, organized by the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS), in Athens on 22 November 2022.

On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the BSEC Organization, and amidst immense regional developments, the 12th International Black Sea Symposium brought together regional and international stakeholders to reflect on BSEC’s role over the years, as a pivotal regional and international actor, to exchange views on how the Organization could be better equipped  to meet present-day challenges and to identify key priorities and strategic goals for the future.

Taking the floor, PABSEC Secretary General Mr. Hajiyev underlined the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and the great role that national parliaments play for the progress, development and prosperity of the people of the broader Black Sea region, through the processing and the adoption of the necessary rules and laws that allow significant projects to be developed.

He also noted that the 21^st century is extremely challenging and the cooperation between parliaments and between states is of utmost importance since countries that decide to move alone will face great difficulties. Mr. Hajiyev pointed out that unfortunately there are many conflicts in the region creating a challenge that cannot be ignored. Parliaments through parliamentary diplomacy should take action and find ways for establishing peace, security, and prosperity for all citizens.

The next day, on 23 November 2022, at the same place, a conference took place titled “Strengthening the project implementation capacity, dialogue, and cooperation in the Black Sea Region”. The event was co-organized by the BSEC PERMIS and the ICBSS and was composed of three main sessions:

- Session I: Pilot Innovative Solutions for Fighting Marine Litter in the Black Sea

- Session II: Sustainable small-scale boating in the Black Sea

- Session III: Supporting youth entrepreneurship in cultural tourism for coastal communities in the Black Sea

The Conference's main target was to present, the results and applications developed under the projects Black Sea React!, Black Sea Cruise, and CulTourE4Youth, which are co-funded by the European Commission, and to promote networking and exchange of information among regional and international stakeholders with interest in environmental protection, culture and tourism, transport and youth entrepreneurship.