UNOC-3: Morocco Champions Africa's Role in Inclusive, Scientific Ocean Governance
Participating in both side events, Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries, emphasized the joint efforts of states, environmental institutions, and civil society actors to make the ocean a lever for sustainable development, regional integration, and South-South solidarity.
The first event, organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection under the theme 'Innovation in Africa to Accelerate the Global Implementation of SDG 14,' provided an opportunity for Driouich to reaffirm Morocco's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 through innovation and African cooperation.
Commending the Foundation's pioneering role, she underscored Africa's ambition to establish a cooperative model of ocean governance, as reflected in the Blue Africa Summit and the Tangier Declaration. Driouich also spoke of integrating technological, social, and institutional innovation at the core of African maritime strategies, while advocating for stronger African representation in international forums and the recognition of the continent's potential.
Morocco, she stated, positions itself as a key driver of 'blue diplomacy,' placing the ocean at the service of sustainable development, peace, and sovereignty of African nations.
Themed "Africa's blue ambition for UNOC3: Morocco's commitment to regional cooperation," the second side event was organized by the Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries.
This meeting highlighted Morocco's promotion of inclusive ocean governance, based on science, diplomacy, the blue economy and South-South cooperation.
These two events, which fully align with the Atlantic Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, helped put forth the African priorities at UNOC-3 and strengthen regional blue economy synergies while supporting the implementation of international ocean actions.
MAP: 11 June 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
15 hours ago
- Morocco World
Angola Protests: At Least 22 Killed, 197 Injured, and 1,200 Arrested
Rabat – At least 22 people have been killed and 197 others injured in a wave of violence that has erupted across Angola over the last week. Protesters have fumed against the current government under strongman Joao Lourenco, lambasting the fuel prices hike that has affected cost of living across the African nation. Fuel and petrol subsidies have been steadily removed in recent years, triggering a cost-of-living crisis, in what is already one of the most expensive countries to live in Africa. According to a government spokesman, Angolan police have arrested at least 1,200 people during the demonstrations. Looting, vandalism and violence began with deadly clashes between the police in the capital city Luanda and spread across the nation. Gunfire was seen in several Angolan cities as the police opened fired on protesters across Monday and Tuesday, leading to confrontations with citizens. In response to the unrest, Angolan strongman president Joao Lourenco chaired a cabinet in Luanda to discuss the tense situation. Lourenco's party, the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, has been continuously in power for fifty years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and experienced a civil war shortly after. During this cabinet meeting, the president and his advisors decided to 'restore order' by deploying the military across the country to tackle what they called a 'triggered climate of widespread instability.' Human Rights Watch and other advocacy organisations have lambasted the government for its harsh and excessive use of force in dealing with a largely peaceful demonstration. HRW has accused the police of unnecessarily firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protestors and assaulting many in the demonstrations. These scenes throughout Angola have resembled reactions to other recent African protests, such as the still simmering anti-Ruto government protests in Kenya. Angola's protests have continued throughout the week, but the visibly frustrated streets have become quieter as security forces turn unpredictably violent in their confrontations with demonstrators. The post Angola Protests: At Least 22 Killed, 197 Injured, and 1,200 Arrested appeared first on Morocco World News.
Morocco World
17 hours ago
- Morocco World
AU Commission President: Morocco Emerges as ‘True African Hub'
Marrakech – The President of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, declared Morocco has developed into a 'true African hub' through its active economic diplomacy. 'Morocco has distinguished itself by developing economic diplomacy that makes the Kingdom today a true African hub due to its numerous investments in future sectors, namely infrastructure, telecommunications, agriculture, finance and energy,' Youssouf stated in an address read on his behalf Wednesday evening in Addis Ababa. The event was organized by Morocco's embassy in Ethiopia and the country's permanent mission to the African Union (AU) and UN-ECA, celebrating the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne. Youssouf recognized the Moroccan entrepreneurial presence in many AU member states and praised Morocco's economic dynamism, which he said signals a bright future for both the North African country and the African continent. He pointed out that the Moroccan monarch's wise leadership on the path of diplomatic, geopolitical, economic, and cultural influence has transformed Morocco into an attractive hub for investors and tourists. The AUC President also expressed deep gratitude to Morocco for its 'multifaceted contribution to the harmonious functioning of the AU.' Djibouti's long-serving Foreign Minister since 2005, Youssouf, was elected AUC chairperson in February, defeating Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar's ex-Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato in a vote that required a two-thirds majority. Prior to his election, Youssouf visited Rabat in December 2024, where he met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and delivered a message from Djibouti's President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to King Mohammed VI. During the talks, Youssouf outlined his vision for the organization. 'If I am elected President of the African Union Commission, my priority will be financial management and governance. My goal will also be to mobilize internal funds,' he stated. Meanwhile, Bourita affirmed that 'Djibouti has always been a source of trust and credibility, able to play a leading role in promoting stability and security in the region.' Youssouf acknowledged the 'solid ties based on mutual respect and pan-Arab and Islamic brotherhood' between the two nations, while applauding Morocco's significant annual contribution of $35 million to the AU budget. King Mohammed VI sent congratulations after Youssouf's election, expressing confidence in his leadership abilities. 'We are totally convinced that the Commission of the African Union will find in you an experienced leader, concerned and committed to defending development, peace and security issues in our African continent,' the King stated. The King pledged Morocco's 'absolute support' for initiatives aimed at serving development and security issues, promoting active solidarity, and constructive cooperation between African countries. Morocco champions a Pan-African vision Morocco rejoined the African Union in January 2017 after a 33-year absence, having left the AU's predecessor, the Organization of African Unity, in 1984 over the Western Sahara dispute. The country's return was supported by 39 of the 54 member countries. Since its return, Morocco has intensified its continental investments, becoming one of Africa's leading investors. Between 2000 and 2024, it concluded nearly 1,000 cooperation agreements with various African countries in key sectors including infrastructure, telecommunications, banking, agriculture, and energy. Moroccan direct investments in Africa reached $1.9 billion in 2023, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. Attijariwafa Bank, a major Moroccan banking group, now operates in 15 African countries, providing financing access to local businesses and stimulating regional economies. Maroc Telecom has established itself as a telecommunications leader across Africa, serving over 70 million customers in multiple countries. The Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP) has played a key role in developing African agriculture by supplying fertilizers adapted to local soil conditions and farmers' needs, contributing to the continent's food security. The Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, launched in 2016 and currently in an advanced study phase, aims to strengthen the continent's energy connectivity while promoting industrial and economic development in the countries it traverses. Separately, Morocco's Atlantic Initiative, launched in November 2023, seeks to offer landlocked Sahel countries direct access to the Atlantic Ocean – opening new trade routes and boosting their economic prospects. On the political front, Morocco actively participates in AU peace and security missions. In 2022, the country deployed more than 1,500 soldiers and support personnel to three peacekeeping operations, notably in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the Sahel region, Morocco has expanded its influence through religious diplomacy. Since 2015, the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of imams has welcomed over 2,500 students from 21 African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, and Senegal. This initiative trains religious leaders to preach moderate Islam, countering extremist ideologies threatening stability across multiple regions of the continent. The country's return to the AU also marked a pivotal diplomatic shift, allowing Morocco to work from within the organization to steadily erode the influence of the self-styled 'SADR' (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) in continental affairs. When it comes to diplomatic ties, relations between Morocco and Djibouti strengthened with the opening of a Consulate General in Dakhla on February 25, 2020, crystallizing Djibouti's support for Morocco's territorial integrity over Western Sahara. Read also: Morocco and Africa: The Dilemma of Unity, Fragmentation, and Rational Choice
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Marks 26 Years of Reform, Global Leadership
Rabat — Twenty-six years ago today, King Mohammed VI became the 23rd monarch of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty. He ascended the throne on July 30, 1999, not only inheriting power but also inheriting and advancing a vision of modernity, inclusion, and national strength. From the beginning, the King championed major social initiatives. In 2004, he reformed the Family Code, known as the Mudawana, granting women greater rights and gender equality. In late 2024 and early 2025, King Mohammed VI took direct leadership of Morocco's comprehensive reforms to the country's Family Code, guiding a process described as both balanced and holistic. He personally chaired royal working sessions in Casablanca, where he instructed the government to align proposed changes with Islamic precepts while responding to modern social realities. King Mohammed VI's vision framed the reform as a social project reinforcing the family unit, rather than a narrow women's rights agenda, stressing inclusive consultation — bringing together ulemas, civil society actors, and government authorities — to ensure the revision promotes justice and solidarity across the family structure. In 2005, the King launched the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), targeting poverty and social exclusion through community-focused programs in health, education, and income support. His Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, founded in 1999, has since disbursed over MAD 3.3 billion ($ 365.524 million) to support vulnerable groups and disaster relief. The King also oversaw an infrastructure boom. Morocco now boasts Africa's longest high-speed rail line, Al Boraq, linking Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, and Tangier at speeds up to 320 km/h, making it the continent's first HSR network. The road network has expanded from 1,800 km of highways toward an expected 3,000 km by 2030, helping the country rank second in African infrastructure after South Africa. Flagship projects like the Tanger-Med port and the Mohammed VI Tower in Salé further reflect modern urban development. Green energy and economic diversification King Mohammed VI pressed Morocco toward renewable energy, raising its national target from 42% to 52% of installed capacity by 2030, and pushing ahead with the massive Ouarzazate solar complex. During Throne Day celebrations in July 2023, the King commended OCP Group's green energy initiatives, linking sustainability to industrial resilience. Under his leadership, Morocco built a competitive industrial base. Programs like the Emergence Plan and National Pact for Industrial Emergence powered growth in automotive, aeronautics, and electronics. Investments in tourism, agriculture, and digital innovation strengthened the national economy and helped position Morocco as a regional hub. Democratic reform and cultural recognition In response to the Arab Spring, King Mohammed VI revised the 2011 constitution. The update reduced royal power, boosted parliamentary authority, stressed gender equality, and cemented good governance principles. That year, he also recognized Amazigh (Berber) identity by establishing the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture in 2001 and committing to its inclusion in education and media. Pan-African diplomacy and global influence Morocco's foreign policy under Mohammed VI has been proactive and panoramic. The country rejoined the African Union in 2017 and forged new 'South–South' partnerships across sub-Saharan Africa. The annual International Africa Development Forum in Casablanca, launched in 2010, reflects Morocco's growing role as a continental investment hub. In June 2025, King Mohammed VI urged African leaders at the 'Africa for the Ocean' summit in Nice to take charge of maritime resources, indicating that oceans as key to sustainable development and security. Western Sahara: sovereignty and recognition The King's diplomatic efforts have dramatically shifted the Western Sahara narrative. His 2007 Autonomy Plan envisions self-governance for the region under Moroccan sovereignty. Ever since, the UN Security Council has described the plan as 'serious and credible.' In 2020, the US formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, while France followed in July 2024, offering similar endorsement and pledging €10 billion in regional investment. Just this week, Portugal also backed the plan, calling it a 'serious and credible basis' for settlement. Religious tolerance and security cooperation The King has positioned Morocco as a leading advocate for religious moderation. He backed the 2016 Marrakech Declaration promoting interfaith harmony and actively funds imam training programs across the Sahel to combat extremism. In 2022–23, Morocco and the UN launched the Marrakech Platform to coordinate regional counter-terrorism efforts. 25 years later: legacy of progress and promise King Mohammed VI has turned Morocco into a model of reform: modern infrastructure, a green-energy economy, democratic strides, cultural recognition, and cross-continental diplomacy. His leadership has raised Morocco's regional profile — stabilizing, prosperous, and inclusive. Still, pressures from climate stress and socio-economic disparity remain. As Morocco approaches its next phase, the King's commitment to sustainable development and international partnership will prove critical in steering the nation forward. Tags: King Mohammed VIKing's legacyKing's Throne Day
