Latest news with #UM6P
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's Youth Come Forward in Climate Action as LCOY 2025 Concludes in Rabat
Rabat — Over 100 young Moroccans from all 12 regions of the country gathered at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) this week for the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Morocco 2025. The event marked a significant moment for youth engagement in climate action as the country prepares for the upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil. The three-day event, which concluded Friday at the Faculty of Governance, Economic and Social Sciences, brought together young leaders, experts, and decision-makers to address pressing environmental challenges and develop concrete policy recommendations that will be carried forward to the international stage. In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), LCOY Morocco 2025 Communication Director Aya Alami said that it 'is not just an event for us, it's our chance. It's Morocco's chance to show the world that youth actually can make a change.' The conference, endorsed by YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and supported by Morocco's Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, represents a crucial platform for amplifying young voices in climate policy. LCOY Morocco 2025 Communication Director Aya Alami Bridging Local action with global impact The conference's significance extends beyond national borders, serving as a preparatory platform for COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. Event Director Fouad El Bouari pointed out the conference's role in creating a direct pipeline from local youth engagement to international climate negotiations. 'We gathered more than 100 youths from all over the 12 regions of Morocco to organize a conference about sustainable development in all thematics and topics regarding climate change,' El Bouari explained in an interview with MWN. 'The goal is to come out with logical recommendations that will be prescribed in the Moroccan statements presented to different decision makers and institutions.' LCOY Morocco 2025 Event Director Fouad El Bouari The opening ceremony on Wednesday featured prominent figures, including Nathalie Fustier, Resident Representative of the UN System in Morocco, who delivered what organizers described as a 'compelling speech,' stressing the importance of youth engagement in climate action. Comprehensive climate agenda The conference tackled interconnected environmental challenges through specialized workshops and panels. The first day featured three parallel policy workshops examining the nexus between water, food, energy, and ecosystems; resilient communities and disaster preparedness; and green finance, jobs, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Notable experts participated throughout the program, including Rajae Chafil, former president of 4C Maroc Center and recognized climate change expert, who contributed to discussions on building climate-resilient communities. 'We had the first workshop on a Nexus between water, food, energy, and ecosystems to show how these themes are inherently connected and how one impacts the other,' El Bouari noted, pointing out the conference's holistic approach to environmental challenges. The second day expanded the dialogue with panels covering water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), eco-responsible behaviors, climate crisis and conflict, and climate justice from a Moroccan perspective. A unique feature was mock Conference of Parties (COP) simulations, allowing participants to experience international climate negotiations firsthand. Youth engagement in political processes A standout element of the program was dedicated sessions on climate and political parties, designed to increase youth engagement in Morocco's political landscape. El Bouari explained that this workshop aimed to include 'a type of body that doesn't vote enough in the Moroccan political landscape, to make them more knowledgeable about the political parties and their stances on climate change.' The conference also addressed critical social issues, including safeguarding children's rights in a changing climate and exploring artificial intelligence's potential for social impact. Building Networks for future action The Youth Networking Gala for Climate Action, held Thursday evening, provided participants with opportunities to build lasting connections. Fatima-Ezzahrae Lammat, a second-year student at UM6P's Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences, argued about the significance of networking component in preparing future leaders. Fatima-Ezzahrae Lammat, a second-year student at UM6P's Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences 'What we are really trying to do is to empower youth and give them a voice on the platform, especially those who care a lot about the climate crisis, which is a very pressing matter in today's world and especially in Morocco,' Lammat said in an interview with MWN. From local voices to global stage The conference's outcomes will be consolidated into a comprehensive policy brief containing recommendations from all sessions and workshops. These recommendations will not remain merely academic exercises but will be integrated into Morocco's official positions for COP30. 'All those ideas will be gathered in one policy brief that will actually not just remain words on paper, but it will actually take place on the negotiation table at the COP,' Alami noted, stressing that the conference has a practical impact on policy-making. As Morocco continues to position itself as a leader in African climate action, LCOY 2025 demonstrates the country's commitment to ensuring that young voices are not just heard but actively shape the policy decisions that will determine their environmental future. The conference's legacy will extend far beyond its three-day duration, as its participants carry forward both the knowledge gained and the networks built to continue their climate advocacy at local, national, and international levels. Tags: climate changeMoroccan YouthMoroccoUM6P
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
UM6P LCOY Climate Summit Kicks Off to Shape COP30 Position
Marrakech – The third edition of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Morocco 2025 began Wednesday at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P)'s Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences (FGSES) campus in Rabat. The three-day event runs from July 23 to July 25, bringing together young Moroccan leaders committed to sustainable development. Organized under the umbrella of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change youth constituency (YOUNGO-UNFCCC), this gathering aims to mobilize youth ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil. Participants will engage in roundtables, workshops, panels, and simulations focused on critical environmental challenges. Key topics include energy transition, climate governance, water and food security, green finance, sustainable entrepreneurship, climate justice, and youth inclusion in decision-making processes. The conference is organized by FGSES-UM6P's Green Medina club with support from several institutional partners. These include the UM6P's FGSES, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Crédit Agricole du Maroc, MASEN, IRESEN, GIZ Morocco, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (MJCC), and the United Nations System in Morocco. This morning's opening ceremony featured prominent national and international figures. Among them were Nathalie Fustier, Resident Representative of the United Nations System in Morocco; Samir Rachidi, Director General of IRESEN; Tarik Moufaddal, CEO of MASEN. Also present were Aziz Ajbilou, Professor and Master's Program Director at FGSES-UM6P; and Kenza Abourmane, Youth Director representing Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication. LCOY Morocco 2025 provides a collaborative platform for youth to be heard, equipped, and represented. The conference creates meaningful interactions between institutions, researchers, decision-makers, NGOs, businesses, and UN agencies. The participating youth will collectively develop a final declaration to be presented by the Moroccan delegation at COP30. This summit represents an important step in Morocco's climate action journey, empowering young leaders to contribute concrete solutions to environmental challenges facing the nation and the world. Read also: First Edition of LCOY Morocco Engages Youth in Climate Action
Morocco World
21-07-2025
- 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
20-07-2025
- 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
20-07-2025
- 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.
