The 5th ISA Forum of Sociology opens in Morocco
Held for the first time in Africa and the Arab world, the Forum is organized by Mohammed V University (UM5) in Rabat, in partnership with the International Sociological Association (ISA) and the Moroccan Sociological Association. The program features nearly 1,329 sessions led by the ISA's 67 research committees and thematic groups.
The event aims to address major contemporary issues, including socio-environmental inequalities, resilience in the face of global crises, and the role of the Global South in shaping international debates.
In his opening remarks, Mohammed Rhachi, president of UM5 in Rabat, described the Forum as a fresh intellectual contribution to building a «Mediterranean, African, and universal Morocco», grounded in knowledge as a driver of development, justice as a foundation for stability, and sociology as a tool for understanding and reform.
Commenting on the Forum's central theme, Rhachi emphasized the need for universities, research centers, and intellectuals to move beyond classical theoretical frameworks and explore new directions for a sociology that interrogates the relationship between humans, society, nature, and knowledge. Beyond its scientific dimension, he added, the Forum seeks to strengthen ties between peoples and establish an ethical foundation for science in the face of current and future challenges.
ISA President Geoffrey Pleyers welcomed the choice of Rabat as host city, calling the gathering a «decisive moment to reaffirm the strategic role of sociology in the face of the planet's multidimensional crises». He stressed that the Forum reflects the ISA's ongoing commitment to «critical, independent, and inclusive research», open to diverse forms of knowledge and experience.
Abdelfattah Ezzine, president of the Forum's local organizing committee and national coordinator of the Moroccan Sociological Association, highlighted the inseparable link between knowledge and governance in achieving meaningful social transformation—both, he argued, essential pillars of sociological action.
The Forum runs until July 11 and is being held across several landmark venues in Rabat, including the Mohammed V National Theatre, the Faculty of Educational Sciences, the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences – Souissi, the Mohammadia School of Engineers (EMI), and the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (INSEA), which is also hosting the first Sociological Film Festival as part of the official program.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
3 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlights Morocco's role during Algeria visit
At the invitation of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun embarked on an official visit to Algeria on Tuesday. The visit focused on discussions surrounding the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in southern Lebanon. During a joint press conference with President Tebboune, the Lebanese leader expressed his gratitude for Algeria's unwavering support for Lebanon. He also highlighted Morocco's significant role in Arab efforts aimed at resolving the Lebanese crisis. In the presence of several Algerian officials, he remarked, «Lebanon remembers Algeria's steadfast support. Algeria has consistently been a key player in Arab initiatives to help Lebanon overcome its internal and external crises. Notably, Algeria's involvement in the Arab High Committee, alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco, was instrumental in the efforts that culminated in the approval of the Taif Agreement in Taif City». Continuing in a diplomatic tone, the Lebanese president underscored the importance of Arab unity, stating, «The primary requirement for Arab support is for Arab nations to stand together in brotherhood for truth, goodness, and peace. This is our hope, and with this motivation, we aim to engage with every Arab country and household with love and fraternity, without interfering in each other's affairs». Although Algerian officials refrained from commenting on the Lebanese president's remarks, his mention of Morocco was likely awkward for them, given their usual reluctance to acknowledge the Kingdom.
Morocco World
7 hours ago
- Morocco World
Lebanese President Credits Morocco's Key Role in Historic Taif Agreement
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has hailed Morocco's historic diplomatic efforts in securing the Taif Agreement. Aoun, who is on a visit to Algeria, commended Morocco's crucial role in ending Lebanon's devastating civil war in the late 1990s. Speaking at a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers, Aoun recognized Morocco's significant contributions to Lebanese unity and stability. The Taif Agreement paved the way for ending one of the Middle East's most destructive conflicts. Speaking of Algeria's 'supportive positions' toward the Lebanese stability, Aoun didn't miss the chance to recognize other Arab countries' role and efforts 'aimed at getting Lebanon out of its crises and ending its complex wars between internal and external forces.' The Lebanese president specifically acknowledged Algeria's participation alongside Saudi Arabia and Morocco in the Higher Arab Committee that led to the Taif agreement's approval in the Saudi city of Taif. Morocco's diplomatic leadership The Lebanese president pointed out how the Taif Agreement transformed into Lebanon's political constitution, establishing the foundation for national peace, Lebanese Arab identity, and complete sovereignty. Morocco played a crucial role in the diplomatic process under the leadership of the late King Hassan II, who worked tirelessly through Arab summits to help the Lebanese people overcome their crisis. Strategic partnership Aoun stressed that Arab nations should unite around shared Arab interests to achieve prosperity for people across the region and the wider world. He stressed that remembering the Taif Agreement milestone reinforces the conviction that Arab solidarity remains essential for his country's strength, unity, sovereignty, and independence. Aoun's statements echo King Mohammed VI's call for Arab unity The statements of the Lebanese president echoed calls from King Mohammed VI for a united Arab action to overcome both internal and external hurdles that hamper their development. In his Throne Day speech, King Mohammed VI reiterated calls for a reconciliation with Morocco's neighboring country of Algeria. 'I wish to reiterate my resolve to remain open to our regional environment, especially our immediate neighbors and the relationship with our brothers and sisters in Algeria,' the King said. 'My position, as the King of Morocco, is as clear as it is consistent: the Algerian people are our brothers and sisters; they share deep-rooted human and historical ties with the Moroccan people. The bonds of language, religion, geography, and a common destiny unite us.' Morocco's role in the Taif Agreement stands as a testament to the country's commitment to Arab unity and regional stability, demonstrating how diplomatic leadership can help resolve complex conflicts and build lasting peace. Read also: Throne Day 2025: Royal Olive Branch to Algeria as Sahara Winds Blow in Morocco's Favor Tags: Morocco leadershipMorocco LebanonTaif agreement
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Moroccan Youth Delegation Visits Israel Amid Ongoing Gaza Genocidal Starvation
Rabat — A Moroccan youth delegation visited Israel last weekend, sparking controversy as the trip took place during Israel's continued genocidal assaults and starvation on Gaza. The Israeli Atidna Association in Haifa reportedly hosted the group. 'We welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Kingdom of Morocco to the offices of Atidna Association in Haifa,' the association said in a statement. 'The visit aimed to learn about the association's work model and its deep impact in building a leadership generation within the Arab community in Israel.' The association added that during the meeting, they 'reviewed milestones from our journey, achievements we are proud of, and initiatives that have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of young people.' A commentator lamented the group over the visit to Israel on X, saying: 'A Moroccan youth delegation learns 'leadership' from children killers in Haifa, meanwhile Gaza is being bombarded.' The visit comes as the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) maintain a brutal siege on the genocide-torn Gaza, defying international pressure. This normalization effort takes place as Israel's genocide in Gaza continues and IOF-induced famine is catastrophically spreading with increasing brutality. Critics described the visitors as 'new normalizers' who received a warm welcome at the Haifa-based association. According to the statement, the meeting reportedly included discussions about 'the importance of empowering youth and connecting Arab communities worldwide through education, learning, and social innovation.' The association called the visit 'an inspiring visit that carries messages of hope, partnership, and a shared future.' Strong opposition at home Moroccan visits to Israel, especially after the genocide on Gaza, face widespread rejection and strong condemnation from anti-normalization groups in Morocco and organizations supporting the Palestinian cause. Opponents of these visits consider such steps a betrayal of Palestinian struggles and a provocation to Moroccan feelings. Anti-normalization activists argue these visits do not fall under dialogue or cultural exchange. Instead, they believe such trips promote normalization and polish Israel's image despite its ongoing criminal genocide on Gaza. Tags: GazaIsraelMoroccan delegationMoroccoPalestine
