Morocco’s King calls for a new approach to social development that promotes integrated regional development

King Mohammed VI has called for a shift from traditional approaches to social development,to an approach that promotes integrated regional development,making it clear that today or at any time in the future,it is not acceptable for Morocco to be a two-speed country,and insisting on the need to adopt next-generation local development programs.

Regardless of the infrastructure built,and the level of economic development achieved,Morocco’s accomplishments will be only satisfactory if they contribute,in a tangible manner,to improving the living conditions of citizens from all social classes,and in all areas and regions,pointed out the King in a speech he delivered Tuesday evening on the 26th anniversary of his accession to the Throne.

The time has come to achieve a quantum leap in our comprehensive rehabilitation efforts at the local level,and to bridge social and regional disparities,the Monarch said,calling for a shift from traditional approaches to social development,to an approach that promotes integrated regional development.

“My goal is to make sure all citizens – in all areas and regions – benefit from the fruits of progress and development,without discrimination or exclusion. To this end,I have asked the government to adopt next-generation local development programs based on making the most of local specificities,” stated the Monarch,adding that he expects these programs to ensure that advanced regionalization is firmly rooted,and that the principle of integration and inter-regional solidarity is observed.

“These programs should be based on rallying the efforts of all stakeholders around clear priorities and projects with a tangible impact,” he said,insisting in this connection on the need to promote employment by leveraging regional economic potential and creating an environment conducive to local entrepreneurship and investment; and consolidate basic social services,especially in the areas of education and healthcare,in ways that preserve the dignity of citizens and promote inter-regional equity.

The Monarch also brought out the issue of water scarcity,which has become recurrent in his latest addresses,stressing the need to adopt proactive,sustainable water resource management measures,given the effects of climate change and growing water stress concerns.

The King likewise called for the launch of local,integrated rehabilitation projects,in line with the country’s major national development projects.

Despite all the challenges lying ahead,Morocco looks to the future with confidence and optimism,banking on the gains achieved,and the projects planned,the King said,recalling that since his accession to the throne,he has worked to build an advanced,unified and solidarity-based Morocco. “To this end,I have sought to promote comprehensive economic and human development,making sure Morocco enhances its status as an emerging country.”