Morocco Secures Vice-Presidency of UNESCO's Underwater Heritage Council
Today, the North African country was elected vice-president of UNESCO's Scientific and Technical Advisory Body (STAB), with Azzedine Karra appointed as its representative.
The election took place during the 16th meeting of STAB, held as part of the 10th gathering of States Parties to the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
The treaty, often overlooked, plays an important role in shielding ancient shipwrecks, submerging ruins, and other underwater cultural remains from looting and destruction.
STAB brings together 14 international experts tasked with offering technical insight, helping countries put the convention into action, and making sure archaeological rules are respected.
It also helps states develop skills and set up national frameworks to protect submerged heritage.
For Morocco, this recognition is important at all levels. Karra, a specialist in underwater heritage, has been Morocco's representative at UNESCO since 2013 and was president of STAB in 2017.
His return to head the council demonstrates personal integrity and faith that international partners have in Moroccan skills.
The election sends a strong message of Morocco's growing presence in UNESCO. It also sends the broader message of the country's dedication to protecting heritage.
Through Karra's new role, Morocco strengthens its position within global cultural diplomacy circles, while contributing concrete knowledge to a field where science, history, and international cooperation meet.
In February, a Moroccan maritime heritage association has identified the locations of nine sunken ships from World War I along the southern coast of Morocco.
These vessels, lost over a century ago, belonged to different countries, such as Japan, Norway, France, Britain, Portugal, and Italy. Tags: MoroccoMorocco UNESCOshipwrecksunderwater heritageUNESCO heritage
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Abolishes Master's Entrance Exams Following Series of Scandals
Marrakech – Minister of Higher Education Azzedine El Midaoui has introduced a sweeping reform to Morocco's master's degree admission process, eliminating written and oral entrance examinations in favor of a selection system based solely on undergraduate grades and academic records. The change comes after years of repeated scandals at several Moroccan universities, ranging from 'sex for grades' to 'Kailech certificates,' named after a professor who was caught selling fraudulent degrees for money. The new measure aims to increase transparency and reduce opportunities for direct faculty intervention in the selection process, which had been the source of scandals at some institutions. According to ministerial decision No. 1891.25 issued on July 25 and published in Official Gazette No. 7430 on August 14, admission to master's degree programs starting next academic year will be based solely on file selection. The process will evaluate applications according to admission criteria specified in the approved program description, in line with the new national pedagogical regulations. The decision is based on Decree No. 2.04.89 issued on June 7, 2004, which defines the jurisdiction of university institutions, higher education tracks, and corresponding national diplomas. The new regulations were approved after consulting with the National Committee for Higher Education Coordination on July 16. According to the decision, the master's program consists of four semesters. The academic year comprises two semesters, each including 16 weeks of study and assessment. The deans or their representatives will chair the selection committees to ensure impartial decisions, effectively closing the door on direct relationships between candidates and professors. The selection committee will include the head of the institution housing the program or their deputy as chairperson, the head of the department associated with the program, the pedagogical coordinator, and, when necessary, other members appointed by the institution head. The committee will produce a document listing selected students and a waiting list, signed by committee members. An original copy will be sent to both the university president and the institution head, who are authorized to publish the selection results. The new regulations also specify that students who obtained their bachelor's degrees from 'Centers of Excellence' established under Law 01.00 concerning higher education organization will automatically gain admission to master's programs hosted by these centers. The decision seeks to curb favoritism, bribery, and corruption According to university professor Omar Cherkaoui, the decision comes as part of reforms carried by the new pedagogical guidelines. He explained that eliminating examinations aims to cut off unfair practices previously associated with selection processes, including 'favoritism, bribery, and corruption,' while ending direct relationships between candidates and professors. Among the accompanying changes, the ministry plans to notably increase the capacity of master's programs in line with its move toward open access. The ministry will maintain free registration for students while requiring employed individuals to pay fees under the 'flexible time' formula that will be implemented nationwide. Master's programs will be open to holders of various bachelor's degrees, including basic studies, professional degrees, science and technology degrees, education degrees, bachelor of technology diplomas, basic diplomas in medical sciences, dentistry sciences, pharmacy sciences, or equivalent qualifications. Candidates must meet the admission criteria specified in the approved program description. The university will also adopt, when necessary, pedagogical formats that consider the specific needs of students with disabilities, as well as employed students, within the framework of supplementary regulations that define pedagogical measures for each category. Read also: Morocco Grants Automatic Equivalence to Degrees from Five European Countries Tags: Azzedine El MidaouiHigher education in Morocco
Morocco World
7 hours ago
- Morocco World
The Enduring Relevance of Revolution of the King and the People for Moroccaness
Rabat — Morocco marks today the 72nd anniversary of the Revolution of the Sultan and the People, a historic day that brings back memories of national values, resistance, and sacrifice. The memory fills Moroccans with pride and strength as the country continues its march into building a modern Morocco. The epic struggle led to the liberation of Morocco from French colonial rule, showing the strongest bond between the people and the throne. The Moroccan people resisted all conspiracies aimed at tearing their country apart during its fight for freedom, independence, and unity under the leadership of the Alaouite dynasty. The spark that ignited revolution August 20, 1953, was the turning point in French colonialism in Morocco, when its forces exiled the symbol of national sovereignty and unity, liberation and independence, the late Sultan Mohammed V, along with his family. The colonizers removed the sultan from his throne and homeland, thinking this would crush the national struggle and disrupt the strong ties between the throne and people. Yet the Moroccan people stood firm against this vile conspiracy, sacrificing everything precious for their homeland's dignity and honor. The people rallied to fight and protect Morocco's sovereignty and identity while demanding the return of their legitimate king. The return of the Sultan was enforced by continued resistance from the Moroccan people, challenging the French control and leading to the return of Sultan Mohammed V in 1955. This moment paved the way for Morocco's independence, formally achieved on March 2, 1956. And it holds a special place in every Moroccan's heart because it represents values of patriotism, national pride, sacrifice, commitment, loyalty, and the victory of both the throne and the people's will. A legacy of resistance Morocco and its people faced foreign ambitions with faith, determination, and resolve against colonial domination. The country has a proud history of resistance against foreign occupation in all its regions, including famous battles like the Battle of El Herri in the Middle Atlas in 1914, the Battle of Annual in the Rif from 1921 to 1926, the Battle of Bougafer in Ouarzazate, and the Battle of Jbel Baddou in Errachidia in 1933. Political action continued, first appearing in opposition to the so-called Berber Dahir in 1930, a colonial decree aimed to divide the national ranks and separate the united Moroccan people by planting seeds of racial discrimination and tribal divisions. Completing independence Following the formal independence of Morocco on March 2, 1956, the country continued its march toward a free, modern, and independent country. The liberation march continued with the completion of national independence by recovering Tarfaya on April 15, 1958, and Sidi Ifni on June 30, 1969. This heroic epic reached its peak with the liberation of the remaining parts of Morocco's Sahara through the unity of throne and people and the wisdom of the engineer of the victorious Green March, King Hassan II. The Green March represented a wise approach of peaceful struggle to recover Morocco's southern provinces, when the last Spanish soldier left the Moroccan Sahara on February 28, 1976, and the Oued Eddahab region returned to Morocco on August 14, 1979. Today, as Morocco commemorates this historic anniversary, the revolution's values continue to inspire the nation's ongoing development and unity, serving as a source of strength for future generations. The North African country has made strides in recent years, receiving international endorsement for its sovereignty over its southern provinces. The momentum reflects Morocco's firm will to proceed with the region's development and liberation. Morocco's position on Western Sahara has been endorsed by major international powers, including the US, France, and Spain, with expectations that many will join this growing dynamic sooner rather than later. Tags: MoroccoRevolution of the King and the PeopleSultan Mohammed V
Morocco World
20 hours ago
- Morocco World
Revolution of the King and the People: King Grants Royal Pardon to 881 Individuals
Marrakech – On the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, King Mohammed VI has granted royal pardons to 881 individuals, including 676 currently in detention and 205 at liberty, the Ministry of Justice announced on Tuesday. Among those in detention, nine received pardons for their remaining prison or detention sentences, while 667 benefited from sentence reductions. For those not currently incarcerated, 38 individuals received pardons for their prison sentences or remaining terms, 10 had their prison sentences forgiven while maintaining fines, and 142 were pardoned from fines only. Additionally, 13 people received pardons for both prison sentences and fines, and two individuals had their fines and remaining prison terms forgiven. This humanitarian initiative continues the monarch's tradition of granting royal clemency during major national celebrations and commemorations. Just last month, on July 29, King Mohammed VI pardoned 19,673 people on the occasion of Throne Day, marking the 26th anniversary of his accession to the throne. That larger pardon included 2,415 standard pardons and 17,258 exceptional clemency measures. The Revolution of the King and the People, commemorated annually on August 20, marks a pivotal moment in Morocco's history when the colonial authorities forced King Mohammed V and the Royal Family into exile on August 20, 1953. This act, intended to break the bond between the throne and the people, instead ignited nationwide resistance that ultimately led to the return of the exiled king on November 16, 1955, and paved the way for Morocco's independence. The anniversary coincides with the celebration of King Mohammed VI's 62nd birthday and serves as a reminder of the historic symbiosis between the monarchy and the Moroccan people in their struggle for freedom, independence, and territorial unity. Tags: King Mohammed VIRevolution of the King and the Peopleroyal pardon
