Meet Cleopatra Kitti, a senior policy advisor with the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and founder of the Mediterranean Growth Initiative (MGI). Cleopatra has been tasked with the project management of our latest EEA and Norway Grants #bilateral #project , Winds of Change. The project has looked at the potential of #offshore #wind #energy in helping become carbon neutral by 2050 by exploring the socio -economic value that can be generated from floating offshore wind farms in the Greek seas.

This project has a very inspiring title, Winds of Change. What is the change we can achieve through regional collaboration on renewable energy?

There is a range of change we can effect with renewable energy: firstly it is the governance and collaboration of countries in the region in setting the framework for investment; secondly it is the joint collaboration on producing, storing and distributing energy; thirdly it is the co-management of natural resources, our shared Mediterranean its . It will create potential for our people and our economies. It will create new capabilities, knowhow and jobs. It will add a new level of connectivity that we don’t currently have. It will create a more peaceful region, as the practice of sharing brings interests together, not apart.

You often speak about the need to promote a positive agenda in the Mediterranean region, which applies to both Greece and Cyprus. How can the two countries benefit from such a paradigm shift?

Cyprus is an island and has no physical connectivity to mainland Europe. Greece is Cyprus’ first geographic point through to mainland Europe. Therefore creating projects in energy, in infrastructure or in co-production of resources, creates more opportunities for the two countries and the people. The Mediterranean region is the least connected region in the world. We are million people producing 10% of global GDP yet only ¼ of the trade is produced within the region. There is significant potential from a governance and investment potential to shape joint projects across the Mediterranean that would benefit all of us.

Speaking about change, how has change impacted your own life?

My life is all about #change. Having lived and worked in 6 and more countries across Europe Middle East and Africa, US and UK, change makes one resilient, inventive and adaptable. Most importantly, one becomes more aware of the formal and informal cultures that shape communities, rituals, decision making. It has certainly raised another sensor of cultural respect and appreciation for community building, mediation, peace building in my voluntary and professional work.

You are a believer of lifelong learning with more than 30 years of experience across the globe. What is it that you still have on your wish list?

The old Greek saying about growing old whilst still learning. We never stop to learn, it keeps our spirit, mind and heart young, alert. Poetry, for example, was a hobby at elementary school which I would love to go back to. Another is learning more about earth and nature, running a small garden of beautiful Mediterranean plants and greens so, both a skill and an emotional relationship with nature. Lastly, learning on writing a book for women and financial independence (!)

Find out more about the project here: https://tinyurl.com/3zz3sbzu

On September 2021 at 17:00 (local time) #eliamep will host an online public discussion on “Winds of change: building a Green Deal compliant energy future in the Med” . Stay tuned for more details

#workingtogether #eeaGrantsGR EEA Grants Greece