Bensaid: Investment in Youth is a National Project, and the Role of Youth is to Create Modern Spaces for Creativity and Citizenship
During a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Morocco’s Minister of Culture, Youth, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, emphasized that addressing youth issues in Morocco should go beyond the stereotypical view that confines them to a single category. He highlighted that youth reflect the diversity of Moroccan society, with each individual having expectations and aspirations that vary according to their social and geographic surroundings.
During the discussion on the budget allocation for the youth, culture, and communication sector for 2026, Bensaid clarified that the government sees all public policies primarily directed at youth, who make up nearly half of the kingdom’s population. He pointed out that employment, education, health, entrepreneurship, and culture form their main priorities.
Bensaid noted that the concept of integrated youth policy is not new. However, it now involves the participation of every government sector in developing practical solutions within its area of competence. He stated: “When we talk about youth, we are talking about Moroccan citizens with the same rights and duties, not just an age group that requires special attention.”
He added that the current challenge is to implement policies that consider the differences between urban and rural youth. He observed that the needs of youth in Casablanca differ from those presented in rural areas, necessitating a multidimensional approach that takes local realities and available resources into account.
Regarding the role of the Ministry of Youth, Bensaid explained that its primary tasks revolve around supporting groups lacking the financial or social means to access culture and recreation. He reminded attendees that the establishment of youth camps and centers in the 1970s and 1980s aimed to enable everyone to have spaces for creativity and participation.
The minister confirmed that the interests of Moroccan youth have evolved, now encompassing not just technology but also theater, music, painting, and sports. He noted the significant turnout at national festivals and amateur theater as evidence of the ongoing appeal of traditional activities.
Bensaid mentioned that the ministry has launched an initiative to reform and modernize the infrastructure of youth centers that had been closed for years. He clarified that between 70% and 80% of these facilities have now reopened following renovations, with a recent example in the city of Oujda to commemorate the Green March anniversary.
He highlighted that the reopening of these spaces has been part of partnerships with local authorities, elected bodies, and regional development agencies, as well as cooperation with international organizations to ensure their sustainability and adaptability to the needs of youth.
Bensaid concluded by stating that the goal for 2026 is to achieve a 100% readiness rate for youth centers to host activities, emphasizing that the ministry aims to make them modern spaces for creativity, citizenship, and self-training, blending recreation, culture, and digitalization. He added that “investment in youth is a national project shared among various stakeholders.”
