Morocco continues to stand out as a global leader in the fight against climate change. The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, highlighted this role during a ceremony in Benguérir. She emphasized the significant progress the Kingdom has made towards its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45.5% by 2030.
Ms. Power participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between USAID, the organization “GiveDirectly,” and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), supported by OCP, to launch the Cooperative Resilience Program. This initiative aims to support adaptation efforts to the impacts of climate change in Morocco. She also affirmed USAID’s commitment to supporting Morocco in its climate and development efforts, highlighting the importance of the role of women and youth in these initiatives.
Yolande Wright, Vice President of Partnerships at GiveDirectly, praised Morocco’s leadership and its achievements under the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to the economic empowerment of women. She highlighted Morocco’s visionary approach, which integrates the climate dimension into all its policies and activities, ranging from investment in renewable energy to supporting cooperatives and the private sector.
Hicham Habti, President of UM6P, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to addressing climate challenges, particularly by mitigating the effects of climate change on citizens’ daily lives. UM6P will provide its expertise in social and solidarity economy, offering diagnostic services, training, guidance, and technical support to help participants acquire skills in governance, financial management, and environmentally friendly agricultural techniques.
The Cooperative Resilience Program will provide training, coaching, and climate financing to vulnerable cooperatives and entrepreneurs, primarily in rural areas. This program will enhance their capacity to adapt to climate change, develop their economic activities, and build resilience against climate shocks and water scarcity. It is the first component of the new climate portfolio of USAID/Morocco, including funding from USAID, UM6P, and GiveDirectly.
In close collaboration with the National Initiative for Human Development, the program will provide cash grants ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 to over 1,000 cooperatives and entrepreneurs to support their investments in equipment, raw materials, and improved techniques, thereby catalyzing sustainable economic development and resilience to climate impacts.