Latest news with #LeilaBenali
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Saeed Al Tayer Inaugurates the Regional Green Economy Forum 2025
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), delivered the opening keynote at the first edition of the Regional Green Economy Forum (RGEF) 2025 on carbon neutral cities, held under the theme 'Empowering African Cities: Paving the Path to Carbon Neutrality' in Tangier, Morocco, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco. In his keynote address, HE Al Tayer said: ' I would like to express our sincere thanks and profound gratitude to His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, who honoured the Forum with his High Patronage, embodying through his enlightened vision the pioneering role of the Kingdom of Morocco in leading the global transition towards a sustainable green economy that achieves prosperity and well-being for the people of the Earth and for future generations. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this Forum. I extend my sincere appreciation to the host country, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the vibrant city of Tangier for their steadfast commitment to sustainable development and climate action.' The opening ceremony featured speeches by HE Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco; HE Omar Moro, President of the Council of Tangier Tetouan Al-Hoceima Region (CRTTA);HE Younes Tazi, Wali of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region, Governor of the Tangier- Tetouan-Al Hoceima; Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-AFRICA); HE Nathalie Fustier, Resident Coordinator, United Nations, Kingdom of Morocco; James Grabert, Director, Mitigation Division, UNFCCC; and HE Mounir Laymouri, Mayor of Tangier, and President of the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Municipal Councils. The forum, hosted over two days, welcomed high-level participation from ministers, mayors, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts from across Africa and the globe to explore practical and sustainable pathways to achieve carbon neutrality in African cities. HE Al Tayer highlighted the lead of the United Arab Emirates in championing international cooperation on climate action: 'The UAE leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has emphasised the utmost importance of global collaboration to address climate challenges. He also expressed appreciation to the event's strategic partners—the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco, the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, and United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa)—for their valuable partnership in advancing sustainable urban development across the continent. HE Al Tayer emphasised that this year's forum comes at a critical moment, stating: 'Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present reality. African cities are on the frontlines, confronting rising temperatures, water scarcity, and environmental degradation. However, within this challenge lies an extraordinary opportunity. Cities are not only vulnerable; they are vital engines of positive transformation.' HE noted that through the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), which unites over 90 countries, WGEO has created a dynamic platform for inclusive, green, and resilient growth, with Africa serving as a cornerstone of this alliance. In collaboration with UCLG-Africa, WGEO's Cities Carbon Neutral Initiative aims to empower African cities to lead the transition toward low-carbon, climate-resilient urban environments. 'This forum is more than a milestone—it is a springboard for action,' he added. HE Al Tayer outlined the forum's collective mission, which includes equipping local governments with the tools and resources needed to plan, finance, and implement sustainable solutions; promoting African leadership in renewable energy, smart mobility, green buildings, and circular economy practices; fostering collaboration between governments, the private sector, academia, youth, and civil society; and mobilising innovation to transform carbon neutrality from aspiration into implementation. He further emphasised that the forum aligns with the UAE Consensus outcomes of COP28 and the outcomes of COP29 and plays a pivotal role in shaping the World Green Economy Summit 2025, to be held in Dubai, UAE, this October. The forum will directly contribute to shaping Africa's urban roadmap on the global climate agenda. HE Al Tayer reaffirmed WGEO's commitment to inclusive dialogue: 'We are determined to ensure that every city, region, and voice is involved in shaping our shared future. Our theme calls for transcending conventional approaches and building equitable, sustainable cities by enhancing local capacities to design bankable green projects; scaling successful models in solar energy, sustainable mobility, and waste-to-energy; fostering inclusive public-private partnerships; engaging youth and communities to ensure bottom-up transformation; and building a network of African cities and global partners committed to climate justice and shared prosperity.' In conclusion, HE Al Tayer called on participants to work together over the two-day forum alongside ministers, mayors, entrepreneurs, youth, and urban development experts to co-create ideas and solutions that will shape the cities of tomorrow. 'Let us seize this opportunity to move from discussion to real action,' he concluded. 'Let this forum be remembered not only for its dialogue, but also for the partnerships it fostered and the impactful solutions it launched across the African continent,' HE concluded. HE Leila Benali emphasised that the accession of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Global Alliance for Green Economy (GAGE) in November 2023 reflects its strategic commitment to a fair, inclusive, and sustainable development model. She also acknowledged the pioneering role of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa) in advancing the sustainability agenda at the local level. Benali stressed that transitioning to a green economy is no longer a developmental option, but also a necessary and strategic imperative to address the growing climate and developmental challenges facing the continent. She reaffirmed the commitment to implementing and updating the National Strategy for Sustainable Development in line with its New Development Model and international agreements, with the goal of building a green, inclusive economy by 2035. Benali called for greater exchange of knowledge and best practices among African cities as a boost for innovation and carbon neutrality. She emphasised that, despite its challenges, Africa has all the necessary assets to become a global hub for climate solutions—thanks to its abundant natural resources, human capital, visionary leadership, and ambitious youth. HE Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, affirmed that the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, as a strategic bridge between Africa and Europe, aspires to lead by example in green transformation by promoting investment in renewable energy and enhancing environmental awareness. He also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with WGEO, marking the beginning of a robust partnership focused on green urban development and innovative climate finance. He concluded by reiterating the Council's full commitment to implementing the forum's outcomes and contributing to practical, action-oriented initiatives that help build greener, fairer, and more resilient cities. As part of the Forum, Al Tayer opened the proceedings of the High-Level African Mayors' Roundtable on: Advancing Carbon Neutral Cities in Africa. In his opening address, he affirmed WGEO commitment to supporting African cities in their transition towards a green economy through the "Carbon Neutral Cities Initiative" launched in Dubai, UAE. 'From Tangier to Cairo, let us amplify a powerful message: African cities are not just facing the climate crisis; they are leading the solutions,' he concluded. In his welcome remarks at the Youth Roundtable, held as part of the Forum activities under the theme 'Mentoring the Future – Nurturing Young Leaders for a Sustainable World,' HE Al Tayer emphasised the central role of the youth and that youth leaders are active partners today, not tomorrow. HE welcomed young leaders as vital contributors, stressing that their ideas and energies are central to the transition toward a green economy. He warned of the consequences of unbalanced growth, manifested in climate change and biodiversity loss. He clarified that the green economy requires a fundamental transformation in thinking and lifestyles, relying on the courage and leadership of youth.
Maroc
4 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
First Regional Green Economy Forum Kicks Off in Tangier
The first edition of the Regional Green Economy Forum (RGEF) kicked off on Thursday in Tangier with a focus on the theme 'Empowering African Cities, Paving the Path to Carbon Neutrality.' This event, organized under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, is an initiative of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), supported by the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, and United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), with the aim of promoting sustainable solutions to support African cities. The Forum brings together experts and representatives from local governments, national, African, and international institutions, to support Africa's efforts toward sustainable, low-carbon urban development, strengthen cooperation between local, national, and international actors, encourage the exchange of experiences and best practices, and promote investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility. The Forum also serves as a platform for discussion on current themes such as multi-level governance, energy transition, circular economy, sustainable mobility, and financing mechanisms, with the aim of supporting strategies that lead African cities toward carbon neutrality. Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to supporting joint African action to build a green, resilient, and prosperous future for the continent, one that meets the aspirations of its people and protects the rights of current and future generations. In a video message, the minister emphasized that Morocco, under the farsighted leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has made South-South cooperation a strategic choice and a central pillar of its foreign policy, based on active solidarity and integration, highlighting several pioneering initiatives launched by the Kingdom to strengthen climate action in Africa. WGEO President Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer noted that the Forum is taking place as climate change becomes a tangible reality, with African cities on the front lines facing rising temperatures, water scarcity, and environmental degradation. He pointed out that these challenges are also drivers of positive transformation toward sustainable development. He stated that WGEO, through the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), which includes representatives from 100 countries, works to ensure inclusive, resilient green growth, with Africa as 'the cornerstone of this alliance,' aiming to build fair and sustainable cities capable of adapting to climate change by strengthening their capacity to develop feasible green projects, renewable energy solutions, sustainable mobility, and waste-to-energy initiatives. President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, Omar Moro, emphasized the region's aspiration to become a model of green economy transition, leveraging its role as a bridge between Africa and Europe, underlining its efforts to promote investment in renewable energy, develop sustainable infrastructure, support green innovation, raise awareness of the green economy, and engage citizens in environmental preservation. He also stressed that the Forum is an effective platform for experience-sharing between local governments, the public and private sectors, and civil society, helping unite the efforts of city leaders and local stakeholders to design practical projects and foster public-private partnerships aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in urban areas. Secretary General of UCLG Africa, Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, pointed out that although Africa contributes only 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is one of the continents most exposed and vulnerable to climate change effects. He stressed that Africa has the capacity to surpass polluting and unequal development models by building greener, smarter cities, as already demonstrated by numerous African cities, both large and small, committed to innovative sustainability initiatives. United Nations Resident Coordinator in Morocco, Nathalie Fustier, highlighted that this regional forum fits within a critical momentum of South-South cooperation and experience-sharing among African cities, describing it as a strategic platform for peer learning, identifying bankable projects, building coalitions, and developing carbon neutrality pathways tailored to African realities. She also emphasized the efforts of the UN System in Morocco to support cities and territories in this ambitious green transition and reiterated the UN's full commitment to accompanying this process with all partners, adding: 'It is our collective responsibility to make African cities more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient living spaces.' Tangier Mayor Mounir Laymouri, also President of the Moroccan Association of Municipal Council Presidents (AMPCC), affirmed that Africa lies at the heart of the green transition, stating that this transformation depends on empowering cities and local authorities with the necessary resources to play their role. He also noted that African local governments often face limitations in financial and human resources. The two-day event includes debates on various green economy-related topics, such as carbon neutrality, policies and governance, greening African cities, renewable energy solutions, sustainable transport, waste management and circular economy, smart water management, and green industrialization.
Morocco World
17-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Proposes Bold Framework for Climate Finance Reform in Africa
Rabat – At the 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20) in Nairobi, Morocco stepped forward with a pragmatic vision to help African countries unlock climate finance and build stronger, greener economies. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition spoke during the opening ministerial session on Wednesday, outlining a three-part approach rooted in governance, innovation, and fairness. She addressed one of the continent's most persistent challenges: access to climate finance. 'We cannot address Africa's climate needs without financial systems that place sustainability at their core,' Benali told the high-level gathering. She explained that Morocco's vision rests on integrating climate finance into national planning, tightening coordination across institutions, and pushing for a shift in the global financial order. The country has already put forward a national strategy for climate finance. It serves as both a roadmap and a commitment, aiming to align public spending with green goals and bring private investment into sustainable sectors. Benali said this strategy builds on Morocco's broader ambitions under its sustainable development and low-carbon plans. But finance alone, she argued, cannot succeed without strong institutions. The second axis of Morocco's vision calls for better coordination between environment and finance ministries. Morocco has created a national commission on climate change and biodiversity, including a working group focused specifically on climate finance. The Ministry of Finance has also started factoring climate risks into its annual debt analysis. Benali called other financial tools such as debt-for-climate swaps, green bonds, and carbon markets underdeveloped alternatives for the continent. Morocco, with the advantage of growing financial complexity and regulatory roots, can be a regional portal to connect African economies with international capital, particularly between European and Atlantic markets. The third proposal item was the global playing field. The international finance architecture is not yet level for the Global South countries, Benali believes. She recalled the 2023 IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Marrakech as a turning point, where momentum mounted to overhaul global finance for the benefit of Africa. In Nairobi, and in the presence of Kenyan President William Ruto, Benali reaffirmed Morocco's readiness to collaborate across the continent. 'We stand with African countries for a future that is resilient, self-determined, and fair,' she said. As part of this effort, Morocco plans to launch an African task force on green and sustainable finance. The goal is to create an inclusive and practical framework that serves African needs and strengthens the region's ability to meet its environmental and climate objectives. Tags: Africa climateclimate financeMoroccosustainability
Maroc
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco Participates at 20th African Ministerial Conference on Environment in Nairobi
The 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20) kicked off on Wednesday at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, with Morocco's participation. The Kingdom is represented at the conference, held under the theme 'Four decades of environmental action in Africa: reflecting on the past and imagining the future', through a delegation led by Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali. Morocco's participation in this 20th session reflects its firm commitment to actively contribute to defining and implementing ambitious African environmental policies, in line with the High Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of a sustainable future for Africa and for future generations. The session, held until July 18, is a key opportunity to take stock of 40 years of regional environmental cooperation. It offers African environment ministers the opportunity to examine emerging challenges, identify opportunities for continent-wide action, and explore ways of cooperating to bring Africa's priorities to the global stage. In addition, ministers and experts will review progress made in implementing the decisions adopted at the 18th and 19th ordinary and 10th extraordinary sessions of the AMCEN, as well as identify Africa's environmental priorities for the 2025-2027 period. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the AMCEN, a special high-level session will be held on July 18, with the participation of high-level figures from Africa and worldwide, to examine environmental sustainability on the continent. The special session will also result in the adoption of a declaration on the 40 year achievements of AMCEN and recommendations for meeting Africa's environmental challenges in the future. MAP: 16 July 2025
Morocco World
15-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Electricity Grid Sees Sharp Rise as Heatwaves Spark High Demands for ACs
Rabat – Morocco's power grid experienced a sharp rise in demand on June 20 as constant heat waves sparked high demands for air conditioner use. Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali shared recent data on electricity pressure on Monday, noting that energy load peaked at around 7.0 gigawatts, nearly 5% higher than in 2024. She said that pressure on the electrical grid could further intensify in the coming days due to ongoing heatwaves, recalling a joint decree between her department and the Ministry of Industry to set minimum energy performance standards and mandatory energy labeling for air conditioners. This decree also defined energy performance criteria for buildings, she said, noting that her department was working with the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency to encourage a return to using local and traditional building materials in mountainous and rural areas. She said that indoor temperatures of model buildings inspired by drone stone walls remain moderate between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, even in regions with high external temperatures. According to TCL, a Chinese electronics company, a central air conditioner consumes between 3,000 and 3,5000 watts per hour. Window units, however, use between 900 and 1,440 watts per hour, and portable units consume between 2,900 and 4,100 watts. Morocco seeks to double its power generation by 2030, when the country will co-host the FIFA Club World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain. Last month, Benali said renewable sources will make up 80% of the increase to 27 gigawatts from the available 12 gigawatts. The expansion will cost $13 billion through public and private investment. Recently, Benali said Morocco needs to invest $40 billion to achieve its national energy goals. She said the country needs to invest over $20 billion in renewable energy and energy efficiency, while another $20 billion should be invested in the interconnection between Africa and Europe. She said renewable resources currently contribute over 45% to Morocco's electricity and grid and are on track to reach 52% ahead of Morocco's 2030 target.
