9th World Water Forum: Inauguration of Moroccan Pavilion, Showcase for Kingdom Achievements in Water Resources Sector

Dakar – As part of the distinguished participation of Morocco in the work of the 9th edition of the World Water Forum, held from 21 to 26 March in the Senegalese capital Dakar, the Ministry of Equipment and Water has set up a Pavilion to highlight the experience of the Kingdom and achievements in the water resources sector.

Set up in the Exhibition Center of the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (Cicad), in Diamniadio, a city located 30 km from Dakar, the Moroccan Pavilion, with an area of 325 m2, was inaugurated on Monday by Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, on the first day of the Forum, in the presence of President of the World Water Council, Loïc Fauchon, the High Commissioner of the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), Hamed Diané Séméga, winner of the 7th edition of the Hassan II Great World Water Prize, and of the laureate of the previous Great Prize, as well as the Moroccan Ambassador to Senegal, Hassan Naciri, and the members of the Permanent Committee of the Hassan II Great Prize.

The inauguration ceremony was marked by the projection of an institutional film on the policy of the Kingdom of Morocco in terms of water resources management, thanks to the wise policy of the late HM Hassan II and HM King Mohammed VI.

The pavilion, which has been well fitted out by a team from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, is intended to be a showcase for Morocco’s experience and the Moroccan model of development and management of water resources.

The pavilion, which was visited by the Head of State of Senegal, Macky Sall, is a showcase for the presentation of know-how, responses, innovations, projects and prospects of the kingdom in this field.

It is a space to expose to the public during the six days of the Forum the Moroccan experience and exchange expertise on water-related issues such as water and food security, green economy, sustainable development, as well as cooperation between the private and public sectors.

The pavilion dedicated to Morocco also has spaces arranged to hold debates on issues that currently concern the world.

Speaking on this occasion, Nizar Baraka said that this inauguration is a “singular moment, especially for us when it is held in a brotherly country which is Senegal”, with which the Kingdom of Morocco has strong ties and long-standing relations that “go beyond the mere diplomatic or economic aspects, to constitute a true model of South-South cooperation”.

The Minister said that the capital Dakar brings together today the stakeholders of the water sector, at the global level, on the occasion of the 9th World Forum which is “a mobilizing forum and catalyst for action, engaging the various stakeholders directly or indirectly concerned with water issues, within the framework of an integrated, connected and inclusive approach”.

“The World Water Forum is also an important event for the Kingdom of Morocco, which organizes during the opening plenary session of each edition a special ceremony for the award of the Hassan II Great World Water Prize,” added the Moroccan Minister.

He stressed in this regard that the 7th edition of the Hassan II Great Prize was launched under the theme “water security in the territories for sustainable development and food security”, a theme, he noted, in which fits perfectly the action and vision of the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River, selected as the winner of this edition.

He noted that the conviction of the Jury for the choice of the candidate was motivated by the very important assets and efforts made by this organization in terms of governance and by its actions combining water security and food security, but also those that contribute to the promotion of peace, prosperity and territorial development of member countries.