Latest news with #MohammedVI
Morocco World
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
AAU Conference Champions Higher Education as Key to Africa's Future at UM6P
Rabat – The 16th Quadrennial General Conference of the Association of African Universities (AAU) opened today, July 21, 2025, at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University ( UM6P ) in Rabat. Held every four years, this flagship event serves as the AAU's highest decision-making forum, bringing together key stakeholders in African higher education to confront critical challenges and shape collaborative strategies towards the continent's future development and education. AAU General Conference Under the theme 'Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa,' the conference convenes university leaders, researchers, policymakers, students, and industry partners for plenary sessions, thematic panels, strategic workshops, and exhibitions. Discussions focus on pressing issues such as water scarcity, renewable energy, digitalization, cybersecurity, and the humanities. The official opening ceremony featured a speech by Azzedine El Midaoui, Morocco's Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, who expressed pride in opening the conference. In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), El Midaoui said the conference reflects King Mohammed VI's vision to bolster Morocco's leadership and foster closer collaboration with African countries in higher education . 'This conference will address and discuss a range of themes and topics across education, research, and innovation. The main subjects include water scarcity, fertilizers, renewable energy, digitalization, cybersecurity, the humanities, and many others. I believe it is a great opportunity to strengthen these areas further,' he stated to MWN. 16th AAU General Conference Rachid Serraj, Director of the Africa Initiative at UM6P, highlighted the university's steadfast commitment to Africa, guided by the vision of King Mohammed VI, which calls for advancing development in both Morocco and the wider continent. ' Africa today is facing many challenges, including demographic growth, climate change, poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. If we look at the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda, Africa still lags behind in achieving them. Our work focuses on finding solutions to address these challenges, and this conference includes discussions on all these themes,' Serraj told MWN. He also touched upon the historic significance of the AAU, noting that it was founded in Rabat in 1967 with just 34 member universities. Today, the association has grown to encompass over 450 universities across the continent. Olusola Bandele Oyewole, Secretary General of the AAU, praised Morocco's historic role as the birthplace of the association and expressed deep appreciation for King Mohammed VI's unwavering support of higher education and innovation in Africa. 'We are very grateful to the King of Morocco for his great support and motivation for higher education and innovation in Africa,' he said, emphasizing the crucial role of universities in empowering Africa's growing youth population to contribute to the continent's development. The conference brings together a diverse group of participants — including university leaders, researchers, youth organizations, development partners, and private-sector actors — for a rich program of discussions aimed at advancing innovation and sustainable development through higher education across Africa. Tags: AAU conferenceEl MidaouiHigher EducationUM6P
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Delivers Aid to 500 Gaza Families as Israel's Starvation Campaign Intensifies
Marrakech – Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency implemented the third phase of Morocco's humanitarian aid campaign on Saturday in the Al-Bureij camp in eastern Gaza. The initiative, financially supported by the Moroccan Association for Palestine Reconstruction, delivered essential supplies to 500 displaced families most in need. Despite dangerous security conditions, relief teams successfully reached the camp to distribute aid packages directly to beneficiaries. This approach spared vulnerable families the risks associated with traveling to warehouses and distribution centers amid Israel's ongoing genocidal operations. The food baskets included a variety of fresh vegetables that the agency managed to procure from local markets despite soaring prices caused by the Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) blockade and bombardment that has devastated supply chains. Recipients expressed profound gratitude for Morocco's efforts to assist Gazans in distress. They noted the honorable image Palestinians hold of Morocco and King Mohammed VI, while hoping for continued Moroccan solidarity with their Palestinian brothers in all circumstances. This humanitarian action reaffirms Morocco's uninterrupted support for Palestine under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, President of the Al-Quds Committee. The initiative comes at a critical moment when Gaza faces a deliberate extermination campaign and imposed starvation strategy by the IOF, recognized widely as such beyond Palestinian accounts. In Gaza, a loaf of bread now costs more than hope Health officials in Gaza report that hunger is no longer just a threat but a deadly reality inside homes. The humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels with people collapsing in the streets from starvation. Witnesses in Khan Younis and Rafah describe seeing Palestinians falling to the ground, their bodies too weak from hunger to remain standing. Since March, Gaza has plunged into what health officials term a 'real famine.' Israel's closure of all crossings has blocked flour, baby formula and medical supplies from entering the enclave for more than four months. Bread, once a daily staple, has become unattainable for most families, available only in black markets at exorbitant prices. Gaza's Health Ministry reports that 69 children have died from malnutrition since October, with total famine-related deaths reaching 620. Another 650,000 children under age five face severe risk, alongside tens of thousands of pregnant women lacking food and prenatal care. The ministry warned on Sunday that 'hundreds of people whose bodies have wasted away are at risk of imminent death due to hunger.' The death toll continues to rise with at least 19 Palestinians, including infants, reported dead from starvation in a single 24-hour period. The World Food Programme contradicted Israeli claims about recent shootings at aid seekers, stating victims were simply 'trying to access food to feed themselves and their families on the brink of starvation.' The UN agency asserted that 'Gaza's hunger crisis has reached new levels of desperation. People are dying from lack of humanitarian assistance.' 'Only a massive scale-up in food aid distributions can stabilize this spiraling situation,' the WFP added. Morocco and Palestine, a centuries-old relationship Meanwhile, Palestinian officials continue to express appreciation for Morocco's consistent support. Ahmad Said Ahmad Al-Tamimi, President of the PLO's Department of Human Rights and Civil Society, recently acknowledged Morocco's vital backing for the Palestinian cause under King Mohammed VI's leadership during meetings in Rabat. The Palestinian official spotlighted the 'centuries-old' ties between Morocco and the Palestinian Authority, voicing gratitude for Rabat's steadfast position throughout Morocco's history. A Palestinian delegation concluded a training program in Morocco yesterday after attending the week-long initiative from July 14-20. The program aimed to strengthen Palestinian capacities in international humanitarian law, human rights documentation, and international advocacy, with Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH) sharing its expertise. Israel's brutal genocide on Gaza has continued since October 7, 2023, killing nearly 59,000 Palestinians, most of them being women and children. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and created catastrophic food shortages and disease outbreaks. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its actions in the enclave.
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- General
- Ya Biladi
Morocco delivers humanitarian aid to 500 displaced families in eastern Gaza
On Saturday, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency carried out the third phase of Morocco's humanitarian aid campaign in the Al-Bureij camp, located in eastern Gaza. This phase targeted the most vulnerable displaced families in the Gaza Strip and was made possible with financial support from the Moroccan Association for the Support of Reconstruction in Palestine. Despite the difficult security conditions, the teams were able to reach the camp and deliver the aid directly to 500 beneficiary families, sparing them the risks associated with traveling to warehouses or distribution points. The recipients of the food parcels, which included a variety of fresh vegetables sourced from the local market despite soaring prices, expressed their gratitude for Morocco's efforts in supporting those affected by the conflict. They also praised the enduring image Palestinians hold in their hearts of the Kingdom of Morocco and its sovereign, King Mohammed VI. They expressed hope that the Moroccan people's generosity toward their Palestinian brothers will continue, as it always has, in all circumstances.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Dakhla, Nice Strengthen Cooperation Ties in Landmark Meeting
Marrakech – A French delegation from Nice met with Dakhla officials on Thursday to explore cooperation opportunities, marking a truly groundbreaking leap forward in the rapidly evolving Morocco-France territorial dynamics. The delegation, led by Olivier Bettati, Special Advisor to Nice's Mayor, held talks with Erragheb Hormatallah, President of Dakhla's Communal Council. Their discussions centered on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with plans for a twinning agreement between the two cities. During the meeting, the French delegation learned about Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region's promising potential and ongoing development projects. 'I'm impressed by the sustained pace of project implementation,' Bettati told the press, underlining King Mohammed VI's vision for economic development and Morocco's central role in strengthening relations with sub-Saharan African countries. The Nice officials conducted field visits to major infrastructure projects, including the Dakhla Atlantic Port construction site and the seawater desalination station. Bettati noted that the planned twinning agreement aims to 'consolidate a mutually beneficial partnership.' Hormatallah explained that the French delegation received a presentation on key development projects launched by the King, along with the commune's action plan and completed projects in economic, social, cultural, and sports sectors. This cooperation catapults the already surging diplomatic momentum between Rabat and Paris to unprecedented heights. These partnerships build upon France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara – a position that has now crystallized and solidified as it approaches its first anniversary, having been officially announced in July 2024, followed by the 'enhanced exceptional partnership' agreement between French President Emmanuel Macron and the Moroccan monarch in October 2024. In April, the Occitanie Region signed a first-of-its-kind declaration of intent with Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, establishing collaboration in key sectors including aeronautics, green hydrogen, offshore wind energy, sustainable mobility, and tourism. 'Occitanie and Morocco share a unique history, woven through deep cultural, human, and economic ties,' said Carole Delga, President of the Occitanie Regional Council, during the April signing ceremony. Montpellier has also joined this wave of cooperation. Mayor Michael Delafosse visited Dakhla in the same month to explore business opportunities and discuss an upcoming cooperation agreement focusing on water sports, cultural exchanges, and sustainable economic projects. Launched in late 2021, the Dakhla Atlantic Port, now 38% complete and scheduled for completion in 2028, represents a cornerstone of Morocco's development strategy for the region. With a budget of €1.2 billion, this deep-water port will serve as a gateway for King Mohammed VI's 'Atlantic Initiative.' Announced in November 2023, the Atlantic Initiative aims to provide landlocked Sahel countries – Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad – access to the Atlantic Ocean through terrestrial logistics corridors. This strategic project comes as geopolitical shifts reshape the Sahel region. Between 2020 and 2023, military regimes took power in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, turning away from Western allies and forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). For Rabat, the initiative serves multiple strategic interests: expanding its influence in Africa, developing its southern provinces in Western Sahara, and strengthening its position vis-à-vis regional competitors. Tags: DakhlaMorocco France RelationsNice
Maroc
3 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco Boosts Connectivity and Attractiveness Through Royal Infrastructure Push
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has undergone a major transformation of its infrastructure, establishing itself as a key regional hub for connectivity, competitiveness, and trade. Thanks to a clear and ambitious Royal Vision, large-scale development projects have multiplied across key sectors including ports, airports, roads, railways, and logistics. This momentum reflects a strategic commitment to equipping the Kingdom with modern, high-performance infrastructure that supports economic growth, territorial integration, and social inclusion, while reinforcing Morocco's role as a strategic bridge between Africa, Europe, and the rest of the world. According to European Investment Bank (EIB) President Nadia Calviño, these initiatives are part of a broader model based on strategic planning, inclusive growth, and environmental transition—values driven by the Sovereign's vision. In an interview with MAP marking the celebration of Throne Day, she reaffirmed the EIB's support for the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI aimed at developing greener, more resilient, and sustainable infrastructure in Morocco. Tanger-Med: A World-Class Port Hub A crown jewel of Morocco's national port strategy, the Tanger-Med complex—launched in 2007 and expanded with Tanger Med 2—has become the leading port in both Africa and the Mediterranean in terms of container handling capacity, exceeding 10 million TEUs in 2024. As a powerful magnet for international investors, the port is a key link in the national logistics chain and an integrated industrial hub, hosting over 1,100 companies across various sectors. Meanwhile, the Dakhla Atlantic Port project, currently under construction, aims to equip the southern provinces with a strategic logistics infrastructure to drive economic development. Designed as a multifunctional port with industrial, commercial, and fishing capabilities, this future facility will boost regional integration, enhance trade with West Africa, and consolidate Morocco's maritime footprint along the Atlantic. In parallel, the Nador West Med project, located on the Mediterranean coast, strengthens the resilience and capacity of Morocco's national port system. With its deep-water terminal, the project aims to relieve congestion at Tanger-Med and support industrial development in the Eastern region by creating a new logistics and energy platform—complete with a free industrial zone and oil product storage infrastructure. Motorways and Expressways for Enhanced Mobility Morocco's highway network has expanded dramatically, growing from less than 100 km in 1999 to over 1,850 km today, connecting the Kingdom's main economic and urban centers. Major projects such as the Casablanca bypass, the widening of the Rabat-Casablanca axis, and the nearly completed Guercif-Nador motorway illustrate this ongoing momentum. At the same time, the rural road program has helped lift thousands of villages out of isolation, strengthening territorial cohesion and improving access to basic services. Air Transport: Modernized and Expanded Airports Morocco has also invested heavily in airport infrastructure. Facilities such as Marrakech-Menara, Fez-Saïss, Rabat-Salé, Agadir-Al Massira, and Casablanca's Mohammed V have all undergone major expansion and modernization to meet growing passenger demand. For example, the launch of a new terminal at Mohammed V Airport is set to boost its capacity to over 20 million passengers per year. Looking ahead, the National Airports Office (ONDA) has unveiled its ambitious 'Airports 2030' strategy, which aims to triple national airport capacity from 30 to 80 million passengers annually. The goal is to support Morocco's tourism, economic, and logistics ambitions—particularly as the Kingdom prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. High-Speed Rail: A First for Africa Launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Al Boraq high-speed rail line marked a historic leap forward for Morocco and the African continent. Inaugurated in November 2018, the line connects Tangier and Casablanca in just 2 hours and 10 minutes—down from nearly 5 hours previously—and has become a powerful symbol of modernity that has transformed national mobility. Building on the success of the initial phase, the Sovereign has launched a new strategic extension between Kenitra and Marrakech. By combining innovation, territorial development, and economic competitiveness, the high-speed rail program reflects an ambitious vision for a connected, inclusive, and forward-looking Morocco. An Internationally-Recognized Model Morocco's proactive Royal Vision for infrastructure has earned the Kingdom consistent recognition across Africa and beyond. International rankings regularly place Morocco among the continent's leaders in logistics connectivity, road quality, port performance, and infrastructure efficiency. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has undertaken a deep transformation of its infrastructure—laying a solid foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and competitive development. These achievements, which open up significant opportunities for present and future generations, reflect a long-term vision centered on modernity, connectivity, and the Kingdom's strong integration into the global economy. MAP: 18 July 2025
