The experience of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region in implementing sustainable and inclusive development programs was reviewed on Wednesday in Cairo, on the sidelines of the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Speaking during a session on the theme “Financing the localization of sustainable development: Levers and mechanisms to support local communities,” the vice-president of the region, Mhamed Abba, noted that this region’s experience in implementing comprehensive development programs aligns with the forward-looking Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI aimed at promoting the development of the southern provinces of the Kingdom.
This vision, he continued, aims to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development in Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, making this region a model of development, where economic progress is integrated with environmental concerns and the realization of social justice.
He added that Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra is one of the regions that has experienced multiple development programs aimed at improving the living standards of the population and developing its infrastructure, while promoting social and cultural cohesion.
This is part of integrated government programs aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development that includes all urban and rural areas, while preserving the environment, developing infrastructure, and improving basic services, Mr. Abba stated.
In this context, the regional official cited the integrated development programs from 2016 to 2021, the reduction of spatial and social disparities, and urban planning, which reflect the region’s commitment to achieving sustainable development that meets the needs and aspirations of the population.
According to him, these programs mainly aim to strengthen infrastructure to serve all citizens and contribute to improving the quality of life, create an economic environment conducive to investment, provide job opportunities, particularly for youth, contribute to reducing unemployment rates and increasing economic stability, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and achieve social cohesion.
The regional development program for 2022-2027 continues this development approach and seeks to achieve sustainable development in Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra through projects that take into account the preservation of natural resources and minimize environmental impacts.
Mr. Abba added that this regional program includes several key themes that support sustainable development, including enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the territorial space, developing the economic fabric of the region, promoting infrastructure and excellence, social development and integration into the labor market, as well as preserving the cultural and architectural identity of the region.
The Kingdom of Morocco is participating in WUF12 with a delegation composed of representatives from several ministries, public institutions, and elected bodies, including the ministries of National Land Use Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy, Interior, Economy and Finance, the Deposit and Management Fund, the Al Omrane Group, and urban agencies.
Under the theme “Everything starts at home: local actions for sustainable cities and communities,” the World Urban Forum, which began on Monday, represents the second largest event organized by the United Nations after climate conferences, due to the numerous activities and events addressing various themes related to sustainable and inclusive urban development.