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Join on Telegram Rabat – In his message to participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalization in Tangier on December 20 and 21, King Mohammed VI addressed key challenges that need attention to secure the sustainable development of Morocco’s regions, including water stress, transportation infrastructure, and the digital transformation of local authorities.
Water Conservation as a National Priority
“The problem of water stress is undeniably a concern for all relevant stakeholders, including regions and local authorities, who are called to demonstrate seriousness and coordinate efforts to tackle it,” the king said in his message, read by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit.
He called for not only providing hydraulic infrastructure but also establishing water governance to ensure a comprehensive public policy approach in the water sector.
The monarch stressed that addressing the water deficit is essential for sustainable territorial development, urging regions and local authorities to “launch more ambitious initiatives and programs within the framework of the national water conservation strategy,” with a focus on implementing them through effective procedural measures.
He reiterated that addressing water stress is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development.
This ongoing concern was also raised by the king in his 25th Throne Day speech, where he stated that “preserving water is a national responsibility that concerns all institutions and all stakeholders. It is also every citizen’s solemn duty.”
Calls for Strategic Advancements
The king also discussed the transportation sector, which is poised for rapid development in the coming years. “This shift is due to the growing momentum within our country as a regional hub for investments, coupled with large-scale projects being prepared in Morocco for the 2030 World Cup,” he noted.
An inclusive and sustainable transportation system, the king noted, is crucial for integrated regional development and reducing spatial and social disparities. “Regions and local authorities must contribute, alongside the state, to the development of this sector,” he pointed out.
Drawing particular attention to digital transformation, the monarch described it as essential for local authorities to keep pace with the ongoing technological revolution.
“No territorial development strategy can be conceived without its digital counterpart,” he explained, underlining the increasing role of digital technology in all aspects of territorial management.
The king reaffirmed his commitment to the advanced regionalization initiative, recalling that the first national conference resulted in the adoption of a framework to ensure the effective implementation of each region’s competencies. This framework, based on a participatory approach, promotes cooperation and partnership among stakeholders.
Looking ahead, King Mohammed VI expressed hope that the second edition of the conference would provide an opportunity to assess the progress of advanced regionalization and strengthen collaboration among government officials, public institution representatives, and elected officials.
“We also expect it to provide an opportunity to identify the most effective ways to turn advanced regionalization into a major driver of socio-economic development, addressing challenges such as uneven growth and spatial disparities,” he concluded.
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