It is in this spirit that the scientific forum under the theme “Girls at the Heart of Inclusive and Sustainable Development” opened on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Salé. The event, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and supported by several relevant ministries, was marked by the presence of His Excellency Enriqué Ojeda, Ambassador of Spain to Morocco, reflecting the international and partnership dimension of this initiative.
An integrated and multisectoral approach:
In a speech read on his behalf, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, stressed that “empowering girls is an essential lever for inclusive and sustainable development and for social justice.”
The ministry has adopted a comprehensive approach, structured around five thematic workshops focusing on education, health, well-being, leadership, and economic integration. These discussions aim not only to strengthen the participation of young girls in society but also to combat violence and protect their fundamental rights.
The role of international partners:
Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative in Morocco, emphasized “the importance of co-designing a national roadmap, with the support of government partners, civil society, academia, and international partners, to ensure a better future for Moroccan girls.”
This vision was echoed by Enriqué Ojeda, Ambassador of Spain to Morocco, who welcomed the holding of this forum and reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom in its efforts to promote equal opportunities, strengthen women’s leadership, and back educational and social programs for adolescent girls.
For his part, Yassine Souidi, Youth Program Officer at UNFPA, recalled that the forum seeks to bring together all stakeholders working for the empowerment of adolescent girls, particularly in rural areas, in order to enhance coordination and build on existing achievements.
Towards an inclusive and equitable future:
Fadwa Rih, Head of the Women’s Affairs Division at the ministry, stressed the importance of addressing the specific needs of adolescent girls through concrete measures in education, health, well-being, combating violence, and economic and territorial integration.
The participation of national and international actors, including Spain, highlights the strategic importance of this initiative. It aims to shape the contours of an inclusive and equitable future for Moroccan girls, by making their empowerment a national and regional priority.
Editorial team/le7tv