Essaouira:The 9th Euro-Mediterranean Forum of Young Leaders was successfully held in Essaouira, organized by the French Embassy in Morocco and the French Institute of Morocco, in collaboration with the Essaouira-Mogador Association, "Marocains Pluriels" Association, Sekkat Foundation, and Enactus Morocco. This three-day event served as a platform for young leaders engaged in civil society, culture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship to exchange ideas and experiences.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the forum, themed "Innovation in the service of youth in the Mediterranean," witnessed participation from notable figures such as André Azoulay, Advisor to HM the King and Founding-President of Essaouira-Mogador Association, French Ambassador to Morocco Philippe Lalliot, France's Ambassador and Interministerial Delegate for the Mediterranean Nadia Hai, and Chloé Goupille, Director General of the French Institute of Morocco.
During the closing ceremony, Azoulay commended the contributions of the young participants, highlighting their sincerity, freedom, and conviction. He emphasized the importance of the Mediterranean region's richness and diversity, as demonstrated through the openness and sharing spirit among the participants. Azoulay also reflected on Essaouira's tradition of coexistence and intercultural dialogue, drawing comparisons with the recent Atlantic Andalusian Festival, which celebrated unity among different faiths through music.
Azoulay called for the continuation of the forum's momentum, urging that the connections and exchanges made at the event persist beyond its conclusion. Lalliot, on the other hand, stressed the necessity of placing young people at the center of societal transformations, underscoring the equity and cohesion challenges associated with progress.
Throughout the forum, participants engaged in various activities, including roundtables, workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities. Key discussions revolved around ecological transition, economic and social inclusion, and digital transformation, with a focus on innovation's role in supporting citizen-led initiatives and promoting youth engagement in entrepreneurship.