2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalization Kicks Off in Tangier

Tangier – The 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalization, held under the theme “Advanced Regionalization: Meeting Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges,” kicked off on Friday in Tangier, bringing together the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, several government ministers, the presidents of both Houses of Parliament, as well as Moroccan and international officials.

The opening session was marked by a Royal Message addressed to the participants, which was delivered by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit.

Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this event, organized by the Interior Ministry in partnership with the Association of Moroccan Regions, represents a significant milestone in advancing the implementation of advanced regionalization, which is a structural institutional reform guided by the High Royal Orientations and serves as a strategic choice aimed at consolidating territorial development.

Through constructive dialogue, participants in the conference are highlighting successful initiatives and major projects undertaken in various regions. These discussions aim to encourage the exchange of expertise and foster innovative, tailored solutions to regional challenges.

The conference also provides an opportunity for a collective and participatory evaluation of the progress made in implementing various components of advanced regionalization, particularly in relation to the recommendations issued during the first edition. Participants will identify the necessary steps for a gradual and effective achievement of this ambitious process.

The strategic importance of advanced regionalization requires stronger participation from all stakeholders through constructive dialogue, as this approach fosters steady progress and continuous improvement in the implementation of this Royal initiative, while also enabling the development of strategies that align regional needs with efficient territorial planning and effective regional governance.

To address the challenges identified and achieve the desired goals, the conference’s sessions focus on six key themes: “Operationalizing Regional Competencies to Enhance Territorial Attractiveness,” “Aligning Decentralization with Administrative Devolution as a Key to Promoting Productive Investment,” and “Financing Regional Investment Programs.”

Other sessions tackle “Securing Water Supply Amidst Water Stress: Current Challenges and Future Prospects,” “Developing Sustainable Transportation and Mobility Systems: Challenges and Opportunities,” and “Digital Transformation in Local Governments: A Tool for Strengthening Territorial Governance and Citizen Participation.”

The conference brings together government officials, regional presidents, municipal council members, experts, and Moroccan and international political and economic actors, with the organizers reporting an attendance of more than 1,500 participants in person, alongside 160 international guests and over 45,000 virtual participants.