The President of the Moroccan Regions Association, Mbarka Bouaida, stated this Friday in Tangier that the current phase of advanced regionalization should focus on implementation to tackle territorial development challenges.
During the opening session of the second edition of the National Advanced Regionalization Conference, held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and themed “Advanced Regionalization: Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges,” Ms. Bouaida emphasized that regional councils must fully assume their roles, manage their affairs, and exercise their competences effectively.
She highlighted that regions are vital spaces and key sources of material wealth and integrated development. Referencing the new development model, she noted that administrative decentralization and the reinforcement of advanced regionalization are pivotal in addressing expectations and overcoming various challenges.
Ms. Bouaida described advanced regionalization as the culmination of a gradual process and a cornerstone of local democracy. She praised the achievements of the first edition of the National Conference, which showcased significant progress in this domain.
Furthermore, she stressed the role of the three territorial levels (municipalities, provinces, and regions) in enhancing the convergence of public policies. She called for investments in human resource training and the development of local leaders to bolster investment attractiveness and address crises such as water stress, sustainable mobility, and digital transition.
Ms. Bouaida also underlined the necessity of adopting a participatory approach that involves territorial actors, academics, and civil society to develop relevant scenarios for advancing regionalization.
The opening session featured a royal message from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, read by Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit. This two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with the Moroccan Regions Association, is a pivotal step in implementing this structural reform and a strategic choice for strengthening territorial development.
Participants will spotlight successful initiatives and major projects completed across various regions, fostering experience sharing and brainstorming innovative solutions for territorial challenges.
