Mehdi Bensaïd: “The 2030 World Cup is not just a sporting event, but a true civilizational project”
Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, stated on Wednesday in Marrakech that the FIFA World Cup 2030—which Morocco will co-host with its two neighboring and friendly countries, Spain and Portugal—is not merely a temporary sporting event, but a civilizational project par excellence. It carries the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI: a forward-looking vision that affirms Morocco’s pioneering role as a bridge between continents and civilizations.
In a speech read on his behalf by Abdelaziz El Boujdaini, Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication, at the opening of the 33rd General Assembly of the Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies (AMAN), Mr. Bensaïd emphasized that this global event, jointly organized across both shores of the Mediterranean, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the region’s news agencies.
He explained that the challenge lies in elevating the level of professionalism through comprehensive and objective media coverage that goes beyond the sporting results to highlight the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of such a major event.
He added that the World Cup is also an opportunity for cooperation and synergy, by creating a network among Mediterranean news agencies capable of producing rich and diverse content that reflects the cultural plurality of the region and highlights the shared values that unite us.
“It is also a gateway to dismantle stereotypes, allowing us to become the voice of our region—the voice of the South and of Africa—by showing the world the true face of our societies, built on solidarity, tolerance, and innovation, far from preconceived judgments.”
Culture, Peace, and the Role of the Media
The minister stressed that Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty the King, has demonstrated that culture is a pillar of true development, and that peace is the foundation of effective diplomacy.
“What we witnessed during the epic journey of the Atlas Lions at the Qatar 2022 World Cup was not just a sporting performance—it was the authentic expression of our core values: courage, perseverance, dedication, teamwork, and openness to the world.”
A Call for Media Engagement in a Cultural and Mediterranean Project
Mr. Bensaïd believes that the organization of the 2030 World Cup is a call to all of us—as news agencies—to fully participate in this project of development and cultural outreach. It is an opportunity to highlight the richness of Mediterranean cultures by showcasing our shared civilizational heritage and the many creative initiatives led by our countries.
He stressed that sport is a beacon lighting the path to the future—one in which the world increasingly turns its attention toward the Global South, and where culture and human activities play a growing role.
He thus urged news agencies to become the bridge that connects these transformations and to reflect their dynamics with professionalism and rigor.
In conclusion, Mr. Bensaïd stated:
“Let us work together to ensure that the Mediterranean’s news agencies become a strong pillar of the media landscape, contributing to the success of the 2030 World Cup, and among the first to reflect the true image of our region: a region of peace, solidarity, creativity, and openness.”
The 33rd General Assembly of AMAN, held in Marrakech, brought together directors general and senior officials from member news agencies of this Mediterranean alliance.
