As the Morocco-Gulf Forum on youth economic and social empowerment drew to a close in Casablanca, delegates issued a strong call for tailored financing solutions to support young innovators, particularly in green, blue and digital sectors.
The three-day event, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication’s Youth Department in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat General, brought together over a hundred young leaders, experts, institutional officials and entrepreneurs from Morocco and GCC countries.
Youth empowerment as a driver of sustainable growth
Ahmed Aboukrim, chair of the forum’s scientific committee, highlighted how discussions across multiple sessions underscored the pivotal role of youth economic and social empowerment in addressing economic, social and technological shifts while advancing sustainable development goals.
He pointed out that debates focused on integrated strategies linking education, training, employability, entrepreneurship, innovation and financing, with a renewed emphasis on investing in human capital to boost national competitiveness.
Four priority sectors for youth-led innovation
Workshops delved into four key sectors identified as new engines of youth economic empowerment: green economy, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, renewable energy and green hydrogen, and blue economy alongside water resources.
A roadmap for targeted funding and incubation
Recommendations emerging from the sessions include establishing dedicated funds for youth-led projects in green, blue and digital fields, expanding joint research and training programs, launching specialized incubators, and adopting shared metrics to track progress in youth employment, innovation and sustainability outcomes.
Participants emphasized that Morocco’s complementary strengths and GCC partners’ expertise and investment capacity create ideal conditions for a regional cooperation model rooted in innovation, knowledge-based economies and sustainable development—all aimed at empowering young people economically and socially.
Gulf partners praise Morocco’s leadership
Salma Khalifa Al Ghafli, head of the United Arab Emirates delegation, commended Morocco’s outstanding event organization and warm hospitality, noting the deep fraternal ties binding the Kingdom with GCC nations.
She described the forum as a prime platform for sharing experiences and building partnerships that advance youth economic and social empowerment, stressing that investing in young people is the surest way to secure the future of nations.
Tribute to collaboration and partnership
The closing ceremony honored heads of GCC delegations and representatives of diplomatic missions from participating countries, recognizing their vital role in ensuring the event’s success and reinforcing Morocco-GCC cooperation in youth and development initiatives.