Organized by the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomacy and International Relations, in partnership with the University of Barcelona and the Kingdom’s Consulate General in the Catalan capital, the event was part of civic diplomacy initiatives aimed at defending Morocco’s key national causes.
Speaking on the occasion, the Consul General of the Kingdom in Barcelona, Charif Cherkaoui, affirmed that the Moroccan Sahara issue is the cornerstone of the Kingdom’s foreign policy, emphasizing the growing international awareness of the legitimacy of Morocco’s position. He also praised the contribution of civil society — especially youth — in strengthening Morocco’s academic and diplomatic presence abroad.
For his part, the Council’s President, Moataz Kebiri, underscored the role played by Moroccan youth abroad in defending the Kingdom’s interests through a structured and innovative form of civic diplomacy.
He also recalled that the Southern Provinces of the Kingdom are experiencing remarkable development in several sectors — particularly infrastructure, education, and investment — as part of the New Development Model launched under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Council Vice President Aïcha Moussa stressed the importance of addressing this issue from legal and political perspectives, as well as its regional and international dimensions, to enable young people to engage with it using a scientific and responsible approach.
She also emphasized the need to make use of European academic spaces to amplify Morocco’s voice on the international academic stage and to encourage Moroccan students to actively engage in defending their homeland’s supreme interests.
Ahmed Benalla, political advisor in the region of Catalonia, described Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a serious, credible proposal backed by a wide segment of the international community, noting that it reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to a lasting political solution while respecting its national sovereignty.
Other speakers welcomed the richness of the discussions and the diversity of topics addressed, believing that this kind of initiative helps promote Morocco’s image on the international stage.
Editorial team/le7tv