The third edition of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum commenced this morning in Rabat, held at the headquarters of the House of Councillors over two days, under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
This forum, organized in partnership with the Association of Senates, Shura and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA), takes place under the theme “Inter-regional and Continental Dialogues in Southern Countries: A Fundamental Lever to Address New Challenges of International Cooperation and Achieve Peace, Security, Stability, and Joint Development.”
This event, which sees substantial participation from various councils and parliamentary organizations from southern countries, reflects the increasing importance of joint parliamentary action amidst numerous regional and international challenges.
According to a framework document for the forum, the organization of this event stems from a firm belief in the significance of exchanging ideas, visions, and consulting on several current strategic issues that top policymakers’ priorities, especially those related to economy, development, and trade. It also aims to issue necessary recommendations and adopt practical decisions concerning these issues. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of inter-regional parliamentary dialogues in confronting challenges to international cooperation, enhancing integration and economic collaboration, and achieving shared development to ensure peace and stability while bridging effective cooperation between the countries of the global south.
Furthermore, the organization of this event illustrates the importance of strengthening South-South cooperation and collaborative efforts between legislative institutions in light of the ongoing series of crises facing the world today. Inter-regional and continental dialogues, along with cooperation among southern countries, are viewed as essential tools for achieving economic integration and incorporating southern economies into the global market, serving as a strategy to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
The third edition of the forum focuses on the exchange of experiences and innovative ideas for joint development, highlighting success stories from southern countries, including Arab, African, and Asian nations, to draw inspiration from them, with the aim of identifying and listing success factors.
Sessions and meetings at the forum will provide a platform to present available investment opportunities and assess prospects for South-South cooperation to promote broader regional integration and advance priority sectors. The goal is to establish stable economic cooperation, expand trade horizons, enhance strategic partnerships, and strengthen economic relations.
The forum’s program includes an opening session, followed by a high-level summit for heads of legislative councils and participating delegations, focusing on exchanging views on mechanisms to enhance joint parliamentary work and establish promising strategic partnerships.
Additionally, subsequent discussions will center on key issues, including the role of inter-regional parliamentary dialogues in enhancing economic integration and joint development in southern countries, as well as ways to employ modern technology and artificial intelligence to serve development and industrial progress in these countries.
