Latest news with #UM6P
Morocco World
a day 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
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
UNESCO, Morocco Launch $6M Africa Development Deal
By Ahmad El-Assasy UNESCO, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and the OCP Foundation have signed a new cooperation agreement in Paris, committing $6 million to a tripartite platform aimed at advancing Africa-centered development agendas between 2025 and 2027. According to a statement by UM6P, the agreement—signed by Mostafa Terrab, Chairman of the OCP Group, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO—seeks to reinforce an alliance based on shared ambitions to address the pressing challenges facing the African continent. Integrated Approach to Education, Science, and Culture The initiative emphasizes cross-sector collaboration by integrating education, science, technology, and cultural heritage as interlinked drivers of sovereign, inclusive, and sustainable development. The program will be jointly implemented by UM6P and UNESCO, with strategic and financial backing from the OCP Foundation. The three parties have collaborated since 2017, driven by shared values including long-term investment in knowledge systems, the transformative role of higher education, and locally rooted innovation. The agreement is built around five complementary thematic pillars, each governed by a separate agreement. This modular structure allows for tailored governance models, timelines, and implementation mechanisms suited to the specific topic areas. Focus on AI, Heritage, and Innovation in Africa Mostafa Terrab hailed the partnership as a catalyst for innovation and impact in Africa, emphasizing themes such as artificial intelligence as a key enabler for heritage valorization, innovation, empowerment, and sustainable development. He stressed the continent's ability to adapt to and accelerate transformative change through unified efforts in education, culture, and emerging technologies. Audrey Azoulay reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to Africa, saying: 'Africa lies at the heart of UNESCO's priorities. Together with OCP Foundation and UM6P, we will deepen our partnership in the years to come by investing in knowledge, communities, education, heritage, and the environment as non-negotiable pillars of Africa's development.' read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
UM6P UNESCO and OCP launch 6 million dollar platform for African development
مدة القراءة: 1' The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), in partnership with UNESCO and the OCP Foundation, is launching a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing development agendas with a strong focus on Africa. Announced on July 18 in Benguerir, this initiative comes with a financial commitment of $6 million and marks a tripartite collaboration for 2025-2027. It aims to «consolidate an alliance rooted in a shared determination to address African issues collaboratively». The initiative seeks to «develop projects where education, science, technology, and cultural heritage are integrated as collaborative tools for endogenous, sustainable, and sovereign development», according to an official statement. It is designed to foster «a cooperative dynamic centered around shared values: long-term investment in knowledge systems, the pivotal role of higher education, the enhancement of cultural resources, and the significance of innovation grounded in local realities». In the realm of higher education, the program aims to promote «cross-border academic mobility, joint research production, and the development of academic ecosystems that are less reliant on imported models of excellence». The statement adds that «scholarship schemes, mobility programs, and joint supervision of research projects will be facilitated through Campus Africa, a platform created by UNESCO to foster horizontal collaboration among African universities». Additionally, the initiative seeks to enable «the circulation of talents, knowledge, and educational practices, with the aim of strengthening capacities that are institutionally embedded regionally and connected globally». In the same vein, the Maou'root initiative for cultural heritage «aims to establish a pan-African network of heritage conservation professionals», promoting «community and interdisciplinary models» through targeted training. The collaboration also emphasizes ecosystem restoration through a methodology centered on pilot projects, with selected protected areas in Africa «serving as test sites» for these efforts.
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
UM6P UNESCO and OCP launch 6 million dollar platform for African development
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), in partnership with UNESCO and the OCP Foundation, is launching a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing development agendas with a strong focus on Africa. Announced on July 18 in Benguerir, this initiative comes with a financial commitment of $6 million and marks a tripartite collaboration for 2025-2027. It aims to «consolidate an alliance rooted in a shared determination to address African issues collaboratively». The initiative seeks to «develop projects where education, science, technology, and cultural heritage are integrated as collaborative tools for endogenous, sustainable, and sovereign development», according to an official statement. It is designed to foster «a cooperative dynamic centered around shared values: long-term investment in knowledge systems, the pivotal role of higher education, the enhancement of cultural resources, and the significance of innovation grounded in local realities». In the realm of higher education, the program aims to promote «cross-border academic mobility, joint research production, and the development of academic ecosystems that are less reliant on imported models of excellence». The statement adds that «scholarship schemes, mobility programs, and joint supervision of research projects will be facilitated through Campus Africa, a platform created by UNESCO to foster horizontal collaboration among African universities». Additionally, the initiative seeks to enable «the circulation of talents, knowledge, and educational practices, with the aim of strengthening capacities that are institutionally embedded regionally and connected globally». In the same vein, the Maou'root initiative for cultural heritage «aims to establish a pan-African network of heritage conservation professionals», promoting «community and interdisciplinary models» through targeted training.
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P Teams Up With Maghreb Steel and France's Naval Group to Bolster Maritime Technologies
Rabat — Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Maghreb Steel, and France's Naval Group signed a preliminary cooperation agreement in Rabat last week, to bolster Morocco's industrial sovereignty and defense capabilities. The partnership, signed on July 9, lays the groundwork for joint research and innovation projects in maritime technologies — spanning both civilian and military applications — and aligns with Morocco's Royal Atlantic Initiative aimed at developing the country's strategic industries. At the heart of the agreement are three priorities: advancing applied research, enhancing industrial skills, and creating a technological foundation for shipbuilding. Research and development activities will take place primarily at UM6P 's Benguerir campus, integrating the expertise of Naval Group and the industrial know-how of Maghreb Steel. The collaboration targets key areas such as advanced materials, innovative manufacturing techniques, and specialized maritime solutions — seen as critical to supporting Morocco's growing ambitions in the defense and shipbuilding sectors. The agreement was also endorsed by France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), with its director, Emmanuel Chiva, present at the signing ceremony. During his visit, Chiva announced the creation of a Moroccan-French Joint Armament Committee, tasked with steering and overseeing the projects under this agreement. The committee is expected to play a vital role in coordinating strategic priorities, promoting technology transfer, and fostering co- innovation in sensitive areas like defense, energy, and manufacturing. A step toward industrial sovereignty The agreement reflects Morocco's broader vision of establishing an industrial and technological defense base (BITD) that reduces reliance on imports and strengthens local capabilities. Following the signing, Morocco's Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, Abdellatif Loudyi, hosted a high-level meeting with the French delegation. Senior Moroccan military and security officials also attended the discussions, during which they endorsed the proposal to create the joint armament committee. This institutional mechanism is seen as a key tool to advance Morocco's sovereign ambitions in defense, ensuring the training of Moroccan engineers, fostering local innovation, and supporting the country's resilience in the face of global geopolitical challenges. Beyond its technical and industrial dimensions, the agreement exemplifies the deepening political and strategic relationship between Morocco and France. Both countries have expressed their commitment to building a strong bilateral partnership that can address emerging challenges and opportunities in defense and advanced industries. By investing in homegrown innovation and leveraging international expertise, Morocco is taking concrete steps to assert its sovereignty, strengthen its industrial base, and prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape. Tags: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)naval groupUM6P
