Morocco Positions Education as a Strategic Pillar for South-South Cooperation and Peace in Africa
The Moroccan delegation participating in a plenary session of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on education in conflict situations in Africa, held Wednesday in Addis Ababa, affirmed that the Kingdom, guided by a visionary royal vision, regards education as a strategic pillar for South-South cooperation based on solidarity and innovation.
The delegation reiterated Morocco’s firm commitment to working alongside African nations to ensure that every child receives education in a safe and inclusive environment, emphasizing that education is a fundamental driver of peace and development for the Kingdom. It noted that thousands of African students benefit annually from Moroccan scholarships, enabling them to access high-level academic and vocational training in strategic fields such as science, health, agriculture, and engineering, facilitated by the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, which plays a pivotal role in welcoming and supporting these students.
Furthermore, it highlighted that Morocco, alongside training initiatives, shares its expertise in educational reform, content digitization, and ensuring the continuity of educational processes during crises, through joint projects with several African countries to build and rehabilitate educational infrastructure, train national staff, and enhance educational systems in vulnerable areas.
The delegation pointed out that armed conflicts and prolonged crises in some African nations have devastating effects on education, resulting in the destruction of school infrastructure, the forced displacement of students and teachers, and prolonged disruptions to classes, in addition to diverting financial resources towards military efforts. This weakens the quality and continuity of education and deprives entire generations of essential gains, undermining social fabric.
The delegation stressed that education represents a strategic lever for conflict prevention and the establishment of sustainable peace by promoting values of tolerance, mutual respect, and cultural dialogue, and by training citizens capable of resolving conflicts peacefully and building resilient communities.
It called for sustainable investment in inclusive and quality educational systems, even in times of crisis, and for protecting educational institutions as safe havens for children, asserting that investing in education is investing in Africa’s security, stability, and development, and ensuring a peaceful future for coming generations.
