In a strong message delivered during the eighth Global Conference of United Cities and Local Governments in Tangier, King Mohammed VI emphasized the critical role of regional governance in promoting development and stability globally. As Morocco hosts this international event, the King highlighted the need for local governments to enhance public service delivery and bridge social disparities.
A Platform for Dialogue
The conference, taking place from June 22 to 25 under the theme “A New Generation of Inclusive Local Public Services,” drew a diverse gathering of government officials, elected representatives, experts, and international organization representatives. In his speech, read by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, King Mohammed VI stressed that Morocco’s role as a meeting point for dialogue and cooperation reflects its strategic importance, particularly through a city like Tangier, which symbolizes cultural exchange and openness among nations.
The Imperative of Enhanced Governance
The King articulated that regional governance transcends mere administrative management; it is now fundamentally linked to achieving social equity and reinforcing public trust in institutions. He asserted that the quality of local public services is crucial for successful development policies. Through advanced regionalization, Morocco aims to modernize its State and strengthen local democracy by granting municipalities and regions greater responsibilities in planning, investing, and bolstering local economies within a framework of accountability and solidarity.
Morocco endeavors to create a governance model adaptable to economic, environmental, and digital transformations while focusing on improving service quality for all citizens, especially marginalized groups including youth and women.
Addressing Global Challenges
King Mohammed VI pointed to current global challenges, including climate change, demographic pressures, and widening socioeconomic disparities. He underscored the necessity of empowering cities and regions to take on greater roles, as they are the settings where public policies manifest into reality. The King’s vision emphasizes ensuring access to essential services for all citizens, regardless of their geographic locations or social standings, and calls for a renewed relationship between local authorities and citizens founded on transparency, responsiveness, and public engagement.
Promoting African Cooperation
On a strategic note, the King highlighted the developmental momentum observed in Morocco’s southern regions, now positioned as a nexus for growth and stability while enhancing African and Atlantic cooperation. He reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to initiatives aimed at strengthening economic integration and shared development across the African continent, notably through significant projects such as the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline, which seeks to bolster the positioning of African nations in global energy markets.
In conclusion, King Mohammed VI urged conference participants to draft actionable recommendations that empower municipalities and regions in confronting common challenges while fostering inclusive public services that respect citizens’ dignity and aspirations for development.
