Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection reaffirmed its firm commitment to the roadmap established under the Leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to promote sustainable development.
Intervening at a side meeting held remotely by the Foundation as part of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) for Sustainable Development, which kicked off on July 17 in New York, Secretary-General of Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, Nouzha Alaoui, stressed that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are rooted in the approach of Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection.
Alaoui noted that the Foundation is committed to ensuring that activities align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda on education, as a cornerstone for transformational change.
On the subject of SDG 6, the Foundation’s Secretary-General indicated that efforts are focused on raising awareness of the importance of rationalizing water use, notably through activities carried out with youth in eco-schools and Young Reporters for the Environment.
In terms of innovation, Alaoui cited several programs developed by the Foundation, such as the Lalla Hasnaa Sustainable Coastline Trophies program, which rewards innovative local contributions aimed at overcoming environmental challenges, and the African Youth Climate Hub, which focuses on the transformational power of African youth in the field of climate.
The Foundation’s official also pointed out that the Foundation is committed to promoting sustainable cities and communities, referring to projects implemented in Marrakech, notably in the fields of sustainable agriculture and mobility.
For his part, Morocco’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Omar Hilale, emphasized the importance of youth participation in the World Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) scheduled for September in New York, noting that this summit is an opportunity to reach a global compromise on the future of the planet and upcoming generations.
During this meeting, held under the theme “Transformational Change for Planet and People: African Youth Accelerate the Recovery of COVID-19, and Lead Innovative Projects to Regain Balance with Nature and Provide Clean Energy for All, in line with the SDGs,” the Moroccan ambassador stressed that youth can contribute to strengthening cooperation, noting that Africa stands as a model in this regard.
Hilale also underlined that Morocco, under the Leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accords special attention to youth issues through programs aimed at promoting their socio-economic integration and access to healthcare and employment, in addition to encouraging innovative initiatives in sustainable development.
The Moroccan diplomat reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to accelerating post-COVID recovery for a better future for upcoming generations, stressing the importance of this meeting, as it places youth at the forefront of the sustainable development strategy.
The Moroccan ambassador also pointed out that the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) for Sustainable Development has become a platform for youth to engage and contribute, through collective and innovative solutions, to the major discussions on sustainable development within the United Nations (UN).
Hilale further explained that Morocco’s Permanent Mission’s contribution to this event aims, in particular, to shed light on ways of relaunching the SDGs and energy transition, in addition to climate initiatives and efforts to eradicate poverty.
Likewise, the Moroccan diplomat stressed the importance of African youth participation in the World Summit on the SDGs to develop policies for a better future for the next generations.
Hilale also expressed Morocco’s support for the appointment of an emissary for future generations to defend their interests, praising the “suitable” proposal to create a sub-committee dedicated to upcoming generations at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Experts and youth attending the meeting reviewed projects implemented in several fields related to youth involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants also had the chance to attend the projection of an institutional film on the African Youth Climate Hub.
The United Nations (UN) Summit on the SDGs will be held on September 18 and 19 in New York as part of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
According to the UN, this summit, to be held at the initiative of the President of the UN General Assembly (GA), paves the way for a new phase in the acceleration of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the halfway point to the target date of 2030 approaches.
