Morocco’s commitment to Africa and its action for inclusive ocean governance were at the center of two high-level meetings on Tuesday in Nice, on the sidelines of the third United Nations Ocean Conference.
Participating in these two side events, the Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, emphasized the convergence of efforts among states, environmental institutions, and civil society actors to make the ocean a lever for sustainable development, regional integration, and South-South solidarity.
The first meeting organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment under the theme “Innovation in Africa to Accelerate the Implementation of SDG 14 Globally” was an opportunity for the Secretary of State to reaffirm Morocco’s commitment to the implementation of SDG 14 through innovation and cooperation in Africa.
Praising the pioneering role of the Foundation, Ms. Driouich highlighted the African ambition to build a solidarity-based ocean governance, illustrated by the Blue Africa Summit and the Tangier Declaration. She also stressed the need to integrate technological, social, and institutional innovation at the heart of African maritime strategies, while calling for better representation of the continent in international bodies and for concrete recognition of its potential.
Morocco, she affirmed, positions itself as a driving force in blue diplomacy, placing the ocean at the service of sustainable development, peace, and the sovereignty of African countries.
Organized by the Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, the second side event was held under the theme: “Africa’s Blue Ambition for UNOC3: Morocco’s Commitment to Regional Cooperation.”
This meeting highlighted Morocco’s vocation to promote inclusive ocean governance, based on science, diplomacy, the blue economy, and South-South cooperation.
This side event was an opportunity to advocate for Africa’s role as a recognized proposal force on the international stage for the sustainable governance of oceans.
These two events, which fully align with the Atlantic Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, contributed to highlighting African priorities at UNOC-3 and strengthening regional synergies in the blue economy while supporting the implementation of international actions for the Ocean.
Morocco’s participation in UNOC-3 reflects the coherence of the Kingdom’s strategic vision, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for the ocean and the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusive, equitable, and science-based ocean governance.
Through active contributions to multilateral dialogues, concrete commitments, and advocacy for South-South and triangular cooperation, Morocco reaffirms its role as an engaged partner in implementing sustainable solutions tailored to the realities of developing countries and capable of addressing common challenges related to ocean preservation.