2024-04-20 12:50:36
This meeting, at which Morocco was represented by the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Municipal Councils (AMPCC), was marked by the adhesion of the city of Tangier to the network of ”Strong cities”, made up of 224 cities of the region.
Speaking on this occasion, the mayor of the city of Tangier and president of the AMPCC, Mounir Lymouri, stressed that Morocco’s participation is part of the Kingdom’s commitment, notably through its local elected officials, in strengthening the role of cities in the fight against hatred, polarization and extremism, noting that Morocco has put in place ”sustainable solutions which involve the different actors and sectors concerned”.
In this sense, the official highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure optimal territorial governance, which makes it possible to respond to the various challenges linked to the development of cities.
“In a context marked by a multitude of challenges, in this case socio-economic transformations, climate change, digital transition and immigration, the consolidation of collective efforts is essential,” said Mr. Laymouri .
”Thanks to its pioneering experience in decentralization and advanced regionalization, Morocco constitutes an effective model in terms of management and fight against these phenomena,” indicated the president of the AMPCC, noting that local elected officials ‘ ‘constantly invest to meet citizens’ expectations and guarantee sustainable development for cities”.
According to Mr. Laymouri, Morocco has “always been an example of coexistence and respect for cultural and religious diversity, demonstrating remarkable openness and an unfailing attachment to the values of Moroccan identity.”
Led under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan model is based, in particular, on universal values promoting respect for human rights, institutions and international conventions, he underlined.
In this sense, the official recalled the election of Morocco to the presidency of the Commission on the Social Bond of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Human Rights Council, which ‘ ‘reflect the credibility of the Kingdom with the international community”.
Regarding the migration issue, the official highlighted the national migration and asylum strategy, launched under the High Guidelines of HM the King, which ensures the protection of the rights of migrants, noting that the advice municipalities, notably Tangier, have mobilized to support national action in this area.
On the sidelines of this meeting, a Declaration of Intent was adopted, emphasizing the importance of supporting municipal councils, by giving them access to good practices and tools to fight against hatred and extremism and building “strong, united and resilient” cities.
The different parties agreed, to this end, to collaborate further with a view to promoting innovative local solutions to the challenges posed by hatred and extremism, to regularly exchange on respective efforts around holistic approaches to improve resilience and social cohesion and to facilitate the participation of Moroccan municipal councils in “Strong Cities” activities and projects at the local, regional and international levels. It was also decided to organize joint activities and projects in Morocco, for the benefit of municipal councils and other relevant stakeholders.
The AMPCC has also been invited to become a ”Friend of Strong Cities”, a partner platform, through which the AMPCC will have access to ”Strong Cities” tools and guides to share them with members of municipal councils and connect with other networks and associations of mayors and cities around the world.
Participants further committed to reviewing opportunities and deepening cooperation through quarterly meetings.
2024-04-20 12:50:36