In statements to MAP on the sidelines of a visit by a Moroccan delegation led by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, to Geneva to promote this conference among UN agencies and international NGOs, these international officials highlighted the reforms initiated by the Kingdom in this area, more notably the creation of the national agency dedicated to road safety (NARSA).
The Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Road Safety, Jean Todt, affirmed that Morocco, under the aegis of HM King Mohammed VI, was among the first countries to commit to road safety and to really beleive it.
Describing Morocco’s commitment on this issue as “capital”, the official noted that the reception of practically 200 countries during the Marrakech conference testifies to Morocco’s leadership which has decided to reawaken, what it has called a “sleeping pandemic”.He noted, in this context, that every year, 1.2 million people die in traffic accidents and 50 million others are injured with a disability and no one talks about it.
But morocco,he continued,decided to talk about it and to be a leader in the matter. It is with pleasure that we will work together.
The senior UN official said he was convinced that the conference will be a success, Morocco being a leader in terms of hospitality and reception having already managed to host several conferences of global scope.
What matters now, he concluded, are the actions and initiatives taken by Morocco which will allow it to be an example in this area for many other countries.
Same story from the Director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health at the World Health Organization (WHO),etienne krug,who affirmed that the Marrakech conference will be “a very vital event”. It will be held in the middle of the second decade of action, under which all the world’s governments have agreed on the objective of reducing road deaths by 50% by 2030.
Certainly, there has been progress, but we are still far from this objective, he added, noting that in Marrakech, the international community must discuss ways to accelerate progress.
“We need to learn from the 35 countries that managed to reduce road traffic deaths by more than 30% in the first decade and the 10 countries that have already managed to increase this rate to more than 50%,” he explained in particular.
Morocco “is the ideal country” to host this conference, he said, stressing that it is the first African, Arab and french-speaking country to host this global high mass. “This is an opportunity for all of Africa to benefit from the Moroccan experience and to use this conference to accelerate progress in a continent where road mortality is very high,” he noted.
“Morocco has made a lot of efforts in recent years,” Mr. Krug further underlined, recalling that following the two world conferences on road safety, the Kingdom decided to create a dedicated national agency (Editor’s note: NARSA), which which is “an important step in the right direction”.
Likewise, added the head of the UN agency, Morocco is making significant efforts in terms of data collection, speed control and enhancement of infrastructure and vehicles.
the Moroccan delegation which also includes the Director General of NARSA, Benacer Boulaajoul, continues on Tuesday these meetings to promote the Marrakech Conference in Geneva, with the 8th United Nations partnership meetings on road safety which are being held at the Palais des Nations, at the initiative of the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety.
– How is Morocco addressing sustainability challenges in its transport logistics sector?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Transport Expert Abdullah Zahri
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, transport expert Abdullah Zahri, to discuss the recent developments in transport logistics, notably following the visit of a Moroccan delegation led by Minister Abdessamad Kayouh to Geneva. Abdullah, thank you for joining us!
Abdullah Zahri: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The visit by Minister Kayouh seems to emphasize Morocco’s growing position in the global transport logistics sector. What do you think are the key factors contributing to this growth?
Zahri: Absolutely! Morocco has strategically positioned itself as a gateway between Europe and Africa.Factors like its geographical location, investment in infrastructure, and ongoing reforms in logistics operations have made it an appealing hub for international trade. Additionally, the government’s commitment to enhancing transport networks plays a crucial role.
Editor: Engaging! During the visit,what specific initiatives or partnerships were discussed that caught your attention?
Zahri: One notable aspect was the focus on enhancing multimodal transport systems,which can efficiently integrate road,rail,and maritime transport. The discussions also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with European nations in logistics technology, which could lead to innovative solutions to streamline operations.
Editor: Collaboration seems to be the name of the game. How important is it for Morocco to engage with countries in Europe, particularly in the field of transport and logistics?
Zahri: It’s critical. Engaging with European countries not only allows Morocco to modernize its transport infrastructure but also opens doors for investment, knowledge exchange, and improved logistics practices. This partnership can enhance supply chain efficiency and ultimately boost Morocco’s economy.
Editor: With these advancements,what challenges do you foresee for Morocco in maintaining a competitive edge in logistics?
Zahri: While Morocco is making great strides,it faces challenges like regulatory hurdles,the need for continuous investment in infrastructure,and the pressure to adopt sustainable practices in the logistics sector. Addressing these challenges proactively will be essential to remain competitive.
Editor: sustainability is certainly a pressing issue. Are there any particular sustainable practices being adopted in Morocco’s transport sector that you think should be highlighted?
Zahri: Yes, indeed.One promising practice is the transition to electric and hybrid transport options in urban logistics. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on optimizing supply chains to reduce carbon footprints. The more Morocco can lead in sustainable practices, the more it can attract environmentally conscious partners and investments.
Editor: This is all very insightful, Abdullah. As a final thought,where do you envision Morocco’s transport logistics sector in the next five to ten years?
Zahri: If Morocco continues on its current trajectory,I foresee it becoming a leading logistics hub in Africa,with advanced infrastructure and technology-driven logistics solutions. It could be a key player in facilitating trade not just within the continent but also between Africa and global markets.
Editor: That’s an exciting vision for morocco! Thank you for your valuable insights, Abdullah. It’s essential to stay updated on these developments as they unfold.
Zahri: Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts! It’s an exciting time for Morocco and the logistics sector at large.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay connected with Time.news for more updates on transport and logistics developments worldwide!