Morocco’s southern provinces have become a shining example of sustainable development in North Africa, setting a precedent for economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and regional stability. The country’s strategic investments in these regions have not only transformed local communities but have also positioned Morocco as a leader in development-driven governance.
This progress was a central theme at a side event titled "The Right to Development in Africa," organized by the Network for Unity and Development of Mauritania on the sidelines of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, the event brought together human rights experts, researchers, and institutional figures to discuss Africa’s development challenges and explore Morocco’s southern provinces as a model for the region.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Naji Moulay Lahsen, Executive Director of the Independent Human Rights Commission Network for North Africa. Key speakers included Dr. Mohamed Salih Mohamed Yassine, an expert in democracy and human rights, and El Filali Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Independent Human Rights Commission Network for North Africa.
At the heart of the discussion was Morocco’s remarkable development progress in its southern provinces. Speakers highlighted the country’s substantial investments in the region, which have translated into modernized infrastructure, improved access to essential services, and a strengthened economic landscape. These initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of life for local communities but have also contributed to broader stability in the Sahelo-Saharan region.
The panelists underscored Morocco’s advanced regionalization policies and public sector-driven development strategies as key contributors to this progress. These efforts were widely recognized as a model for sustainable development that could be replicated across North Africa. The discussion emphasized the role of inclusive governance and institutional reinforcement in fostering economic resilience and regional stability.
Furthermore, speakers called for stronger intercontinental cooperation, particularly between Africa and Europe, to create synergies in sustainable development efforts. They stressed that such collaborations are vital in addressing socio-economic disparities and ensuring equitable growth across the continent.
As the event concluded, participants collectively reaffirmed the urgent need for tangible actions to uphold the right to development, emphasizing that it must evolve beyond a conceptual aspiration into a realized reality for all Africans.
