Environmental Issues & Climate-related Challenges: Priorities in Morocco’s National Policies (HM the King)

Katowice (Poland) – Environmental issues and climate-related challenges are priorities in the national policies of the Kingdom of Morocco, said HM King Mohammed VI in a message sent to the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), which opened on Monday in Katowice, Poland.

In this message, read out by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, the sovereign underlined that Morocco’s ambition, in this regard, is reflected by its intended nationally determined Contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as by its National Renewable Energy Program.

As Chair of the 22nd Conference of the Parties, the Kingdom of Morocco has worked untiringly to consolidate the momentum created by the signing of the Paris Agreement, said HM the King, adding that Morocco has thus sought to ensure the implementation of the Marrakech Action Proclamation for our Climate and Sustainable Development, and of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.

The Kingdom of Morocco pledges to remain as mobilized and determined as ever, be it at the domestic, continental or international level, HM the King insisted, hoping that this 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will reinforce the commitment already made by the international community regarding this issue.

“It seems to me it is crucial to take concrete, proactive measures through constant mobilization for the benefit of developing countries in terms of the transfer of technology and the honoring of financial commitments made to them,” the sovereign said.

The monarch noted that the African continent is severely affected by the negative impacts of climate change even though Africa bears no responsibility for this unjust situation, adding that Africa is not getting support from international partners and donors.

“Guided by its commitment to African causes, the Kingdom of Morocco is assisting with the actual setting up of the three climate commissions created by the Summit of African Heads of State and Government held on the sidelines of the 22nd Conference of the Parties on climate change. They concern the Congo Basin, the Sahel region and Island States,”the sovereign said.

“Because of the magnitude of the challenges faced, I think a collective awakening is necessary. It should help us reinforce solidarity between countries and make sure the transition towards an appropriate economic model becomes a reality,” said HM the King, hoping that, although the international community’s enthusiasm has somewhat waned recently, “it will still enable us to achieve that goal.”