Intervention of H.E. Mr. Youssef Amrani At the International Community Engagement with the University of South Africa (UNISA) Under the theme: Advancing South-South Cooperation and sustainable Development through Higher Education and Training, on the 29th August 2019.
Introductory Remarks
- It is a pleasure to be here and take part in this important meeting to discuss and exchange on Advancing South-South Cooperation and Sustainable Development through Higher Education and Training.
- Thank you for choosing this important topic for our debate. This meeting is very timely as it gives us the opportunity to share our common ambitions for progress and prosperity, at a time where our world is experiencing dramatic strategic changes and disorders (crisis of the International System, Conflicts all over the World) and emergence of new powers, India, Russia and China.
- It is our profound conviction that Africa will be the continent upon which the future of the world will rely on, interlinked with the other continents. With this mindset, it is imperative that we ask ourselves: “What role do we want for our continent in the ongoing globalization?”
- With this said, it is our belief that the ongoing process of globalization cannot proceed without a developed, prosperous, and self-sustained Africa. Indeed, Africa cannot reinforce its role in the world without fully participating in the management of its own issues and matters.
- My presence amongst you today, at this conference, offers me the opportunity to put into perspective the cornerstones and rationale of Morocco’s vision for Africa, one that is rooted in our Moroccan reality and history. This Moroccan vision aims to fulfil the ambitions Morocco aspires for Africa in the future.
Morocco’s African Policy at the service of Co-Development and Regional Integration
- Three major pillars form the backbone of Morocco’s policy for Africa, without which there can be no strong and united Africa: these are the synergies of solidarity, innovation and a shared growth.
- Morocco never ceased to make cooperation amongst African countries a major focus of the Kingdom’s foreign policy, promoting a South-South cooperation based on historical attachment as well as committed to the socio-economic development of the continent.
- This constitutes the essence of Morocco’s African policy, a policy strategically integrated within a vision in which Africa takes on the challenges of the continent with confidence and optimism. Africa is in no need of conditioned assistance. It is a continent in need of structuring projects with high benefit and widespread social impact, capable of stimulating multidimensional and balanced growth for its human capital.
- Africa is no longer a liable partner, but rather a credible and fully sustainable global actor.
- The road towards Africa’s advancement imperatively begins with peace and security, but also includes six dynamic pillars that will provide the basis from which to launch growth and social development: capitalizing on youth, the creation of new growth and development models, valorization of natural resources, an inclusive governance system, an active and efficient South-South Cooperation, the acceleration of regional integration.
- Capitalizing on Youth
- Capitalizing on Youth
- Morocco is confident in the potential and the human capital that the African continent boasts.
- African youth is ambitious and full of energy which, if guided and supported, will fully contribute to the development and the transformation of the African continent. Youth is a defining element for Africa’s stability and prosperity. In this context, Higher Education and Training should be the priorities to enhance sustainable development.
- Creation of new growth and development models
- Creation of new growth and development models
- Morocco bases its policy and participation in Africa on the desire to position Africa as an emerging growth center in the midst of an ever-evolving, rapidly changing world.
- For this reason, it is imperative that inclusive and durable growth and development models be formulated, in order for them to have a beneficial impact on the youth, but as well as on the economy, with the creation of jobs and revenue generating activities.
- Valorization of natural resources
- Valorization of natural resources
- The African continent is abundantly wealthy in natural resources capable of generating sustainable growth and development for everyone. These same natural resources have made the African continent today the number one destination for global investors and the location of several large scale projects.
- Inclusive Governance system
- Only an inclusive governance system has the capability of positioning Africa as a fully integrated and innovative global economy. All the necessary requirements to do so are already in place, the only thing needed is the formulation of a new operational methodology that is adapted to the realities that make up Africa.
- An active and efficient South-South Cooperation
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As part of a renewed African policy, it is vital that new partnerships and deals be put in place; partnerships and deals constructed on a South-South cooperation that is active, innovative, and fully supportive of an integrated, transformed, and autonomous African continent.
- Acceleration of Regional integration
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An African regional integration into the global market cannot depend solely on individual countries’ national development. It is necessary to have a regional and an intra-regional integration process that will pull the continent into the global market and increase its international competitiveness.
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In order for this integration to take place, African countries need to equip themselves to face challenges by emphasizing a multidimensional development and the fulfillment of the socio-economic aspirations of its populations.
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A liberal opening into the global market without the properly adapted growth models and policy changes will result in socio-economic stagnation.
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For this reason, it is vital for social disparities to be decreased, for human development to take front seat in policymaking, and for regional integration to result in shared growth.
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Thanks to a South-South vision advocated by countries like South Africa, Africa’s potentials are no longer aspirations but concrete projects in the making.