At the headquarters of the French Senate in Paris, Moroccan and French elected officials and experts shared their perspectives and experiences around the theme of ecological transition and sustainable development. This is a meeting marking the 10th anniversary of the Cercle Eugène Delacroix.
Entitled “The ecological transition in the territories: crossed perspectives”, the 3rd Forum of France-Morocco Elected Officials, held Thursday November 28, 2024 in Paris, brought together a host of political figures and influential experts from the two countries, with a view to rethinking together and adapt local environmental strategies to global challenges.
Indeed, this forum turned out to be a real platform for dynamic exchange, where actors from both shores of the Mediterranean were able to share their visions and compare their respective strategies in terms of sustainability and ecological adaptation.
Speaking during a round table organized on the sidelines of this event, Abdelaziz Derouiche, president of the Moroccan Association of Presidents of the Councils of Prefectures and Provinces (AMPCPP), reaffirmed the close ties between Morocco and France while emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to ecological transition and sustainable development.
Derouiche began by recalling the missions and structures of the AMPCPP, before delving into the history of Franco-Moroccan relations. He insisted on the depth of bilateral relations, recently strengthened by France’s support for the Moroccan character of the Sahara and the symbolic visit of the French president to Morocco. In particular, he paints a rich picture of the reforms carried out under the reign of King Mohammed VI, particularly in the area of ecological transition.
« Morocco, in accordance with its new development model, aims to increase the production of renewable energies, rationalize energy consumption, implement appropriate climate policies, strengthen storage systems, improve the business climate, strengthen transparency, encouraging innovation and developing human capital as essential factors to ensure sustainable electrification and combat climate change. All this with the aim of increasing the share of renewable energies to 52% of its energy mix by 2030“, he highlighted.
And to add: “ These strategic orientations, which are part of the national energy transition strategy, provide for the development of renewable energies, energy efficiency, greater flexibility in the electrical system, and the promotion of electricity production. decentralized, the decarbonation of the industrial sector, the exploration of new energy sources (Hydrogen, Biomass, Marine Energy) and innovative methods of energy storage, as well as the strengthening of regional integration« .
On the other hand, Derouiche underlined the importance of local authorities which play a key role in this transition thanks to recent organic laws giving them expanded responsibilities. He cited several initiatives supported by the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior aimed at preserving the environment, such as the national household waste management program and the improvement of air quality through renewable energies.
He also recalled the call to Moroccans living abroad to play an active role in national development, welcoming their contributions through various investments. This network of talents represents vital added value for Morocco, nourishing the economic and social fabric of the country through their projects.
To conclude, Derouiche highlighted the role of the Cercle Eugène Delacroix in the consolidation of Franco-Moroccan relations. Made up of more than 200 French elected officials, this circle actively works to carry out joint projects and to regularly organize forums intended to strengthen already strong and promising cooperation between the two countries.
