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Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- 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
Morocco World
07-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches National Campaign to Raise Prenatal Care Awarness
Rabat – Morocco launched a nationwide campaign focused on the importance of prenatal care on April 7, running until May 8. The initiative operates under the slogan 'Early and regular pregnancy monitoring…to preserve the health of mother and baby.' The campaign is part of the 2023-2027 Strategy for Social and Behavioral Change developed by Morocco's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The campaign's launch timing coincides with World Health Day on April 7, which focuses on maternal and neonatal health this year. Health officials designed the campaign to build on Morocco's existing progress in prenatal consultation services. These services have proven effective in reducing mother and newborn illness and death rates. The initiative also expands efforts toward other components of the first thousand days of life, recognized as critical for optimal child development. In addition to the awareness campaign, a new online learning platform has been created with World Bank support. This 'Massive Open Online Courses' system focuses on counseling techniques and child development during the crucial first thousand days of life – from conception to age two. The first training cycle for health professionals and community workers begins this month. Read also: Morocco's Court of Audit Reports Critical Gaps in Maternal, Newborn Care Morocco has made significant commitments to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the country's New Development Model. These efforts have resulted in positive results, with maternal mortality dropping by 35% between 2010 and 2016, and neonatal mortality declining by 38% during the same period. The public awareness effort includes television and radio spots in Arabic and Amazigh languages, digital content across social media platforms, and awareness sessions in healthcare facilities and Dar Al Oumouma centers. The campaign also incorporates educational messaging during Friday prayers in the mosque to increase community engagement. Health officials aim to promote optimal health practices during pregnancy and early childhood, building healthier foundations for future generations.
Daily News Egypt
26-02-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Health Ministry, AstraZeneca partner to enhance Egyptian doctors' skills
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Health and Population and AstraZeneca Egypt to launch the 'A Doctor's Beginning' programme. Developed in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, the programme aims to enhance the skills of Egyptian doctors as part of the National Initiative for Human Development, 'A New Beginning for Human Building.' The agreement was signed by Alaa Khairallah, Head of the Medical Professions Development Sector, on behalf of the Ministry, and Hatem El-Wardany, Chairman of AstraZeneca Egypt. The signing was attended by Gareth Bailey, British Ambassador to Egypt, and Hani Otaiba, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow. During the signing ceremony, Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that the 'A Doctor's Beginning' programme reflects the Egyptian government's commitment to equipping doctors with internationally accredited training. He highlighted that this partnership aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, fostering an integrated healthcare system that meets the highest global standards. He also noted that Hani Otaiba's leadership at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow is a testament to the competence of Egyptian doctors and their growing influence in the global medical field. The initiative focuses on newly graduated doctors specializing in primary care and family medicine. Participants will receive specialized scientific lectures on the latest treatment protocols and the importance of early disease detection, enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens. According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the Ministry's official spokesperson, the programme offers Royal College-accredited training courses across various medical disciplines. These courses cover early diagnosis, advanced treatment methods, and the latest medical technologies, ensuring improved efficiency and sustainability in healthcare services. Upon completion, doctors will undergo evaluation tests to qualify for certifications accredited by both the Ministry of Health and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow. Hatem El-Wardany, Chairperson of AstraZeneca Egypt, affirmed that 'A Doctor's Beginning' reinforces the company's commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships in healthcare. He highlighted that this collaboration contributes to building a resilient health system capable of addressing future challenges, ultimately promoting sustainable development for Egyptian society.
