Morocco’s 2023 Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) Green Crossroad has opened at Hotel Hassan Tour in the Moroccan capital Rabat in an effort to further solidify its commitment to sustainable development and the green economy.
The conference convened 150 leaders, decision-makers, and experts to engage in crucial discussions surrounding the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to a green economy in Morocco.
The aim of the event is to shed light on the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) mechanism as well as stimulate debate, increase the visibility of green initiatives, and raise media awareness on matters related to the green economy.
The PAGE Green Crossroads summit aims to highlight Morocco’s remarkable progress in transitioning towards a greener economy and address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Under the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has consistently prioritised sustainable development as a key national objective.
Morocco Toward a Greener Economy
During the event, Farah Bouqartacha, the General Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, underscored the inevitability of transitioning to a green economy as a means to tackle a range of challenges, especially those linked to climate change and its various consequences on poverty and the exhaustion of natural resources.
“It is the only way to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance the resilience and adaptability of our country, especially in the current context marked by a series of crises, including health, energy, and economic crises,” he said.
The second edition of this conference is taking place in a particularly significant context, said Sanae Lahlou, the Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Morocco, pointing out that the event coincides with a pivotal moment for Morocco in its efforts to establish a green and inclusive economy.
She also highlighted Morocco’s commitment to transitioning to a greener and more inclusive economy, stressing: “It is for this reason that the PAGE is resolutely committed to supporting its partners in Morocco to accelerate their transition towards a green economy, greener and more inclusive, to align their strategies, while preserving the gains made so far.”
The Moroccan government has implemented a wide range of innovative policies and initiatives over the years to foster green growth and combat climate change. These proactive measures have attracted international attention and recognition, positioning Morocco as a leading nation in embracing renewable energy and promoting sustainable practises.
2023-2024 PAGE Framework
A defining moment at the PAGE Green Crossroads Conference was the presentation by Ali Benrayane, the National Coordinator of PAGE Morocco, representing the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (ONUDI).
Benrayne unveiled the comprehensive work plan for PAGE in Morocco for the years 2023–2024, with the goal of influencing national and regional policies to promote a fair and inclusive green economy in alignment with Morocco’s strategies and international commitments.
The PAGE national coordinator stressed the importance of collaboration between various governmental bodies and international partners, arguing that this is essential to creating an international model of a green industry.
Moderated by Faycal Tadlaoui, the concluding panel was led by the interagency team of PAGE in Morocco. In this session, experts from various agencies shared their knowledge and experiences, outlining how their collaborative efforts are driving the transition towards a green and inclusive economy in Morocco.
Amal Nadim, Head of the Environment, Energy, and Climate Change Unit, PNUD, underscored the overarching significance of green energy as a comprehensive approach that transcends traditional boundaries.
“Green energy concerns all sectors and national, regional, and territorial levels,” she said, appearing to emphasise the essential role each level of governance plays in advancing the collective goal of a greener and more sustainable future.
With its series of panels and side events, the PAGE Green Crossroads conference sought to provide an opportunity to ensure synergy with Morocco’s UN partner agencies for the excursion of sectoral activities and explore the strategies needed in order to accelerate the transition towards a green and inclusive economy.
