Dear participants,

Thank you to President Coleiro Preca and the Mediterranean Childrens Movement for inviting me to speak today.

I greatly appreciate the focus on childrens mental health.

Wars and conflicts deprive children of education, schooling, and medical care.

This leads to suffering and often long, difficult journeys as refugees.

All of this results in various mental health issues that we need to address.

There are far too many conflicts around the world today.

In the region for which I am responsible at the European Commission, many children in Gaza need mental health and psychosocial support.

Despite very challenging conditions on the ground, we are working with various international agencies to provide education, health, and nutrition to children in many conflict areas.

In Syria, 7 million children rely on humanitarian assistance, and over 2 million are still out of school.

We must protect children and give them opportunities to grow.

We cannot afford to lose entire generations.

This is a shared responsibility of all.

As the European Union, we have long been engaged in supporting education programs, health services, and psychosocial support in the Southern Neighbourhood.

Two weeks ago, we disbursed 150 million Euros to the Palestinian Authority, primarily for the salaries of teachers and healthcare workers.

Our support is linked to the implementation of the reform agenda.

Additionally, 52 million Euros were allocated to deliver essential education services, primary healthcare, and relief assistance to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, and host countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

We also have child-focused programs in Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco.

These are just a few examples of our support for childrens needs.

Let us not forget that children also need a long-term perspective.

This is why, in the upcoming New Pact for the Mediterranean, we will ensure that education and skills development are given a central role.

Another priority is quality jobs through investments, for example, in clean tech and digital connectivity projects.

After all, a decent life also depends on decent labor market opportunities.

Sadly, the situation of children in conflict and post-conflict zones remains too much under the radar of public perception.

This is why I greatly appreciate your advocacy and support for childrens rights and welfare in Mediterranean countries.

Thank you also for your continuous efforts to maximize awareness and impact in collaboration with UNICEF, Save the Children, local governments, and grassroots organizations.

I wish you an inspiring and successful discussion.