Tangier: The first Regional Green Economy Forum commenced in Tangier, marking a significant initiative under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI. This event is spearheaded by the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) and supported by the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, and United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), with a focus on promoting sustainable solutions to bolster African cities.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the Forum gathers experts and representatives from local governments and various national, African, and international institutions. The objective is to support Africa’s journey toward sustainable, low-carbon urban development, enhance cooperation among different actors, encourage the exchange of experiences and best practices, and promote investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility.
The Forum also offers a platform for discussions on themes such as multi-level governance, energy transition, circular economy, sustainable mobility, and financing mechanisms. The aim is to develop strategies that guide African cities toward achieving carbon neutrality.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting collaborative African efforts to build a green, resilient, and prosperous future. This future is envisioned to align with the aspirations of the continent’s people while safeguarding the rights of present and future generations.
In her video message, the minister highlighted Morocco’s strategic choice of South-South cooperation under HM King Mohammed VI’s leadership. She emphasized active solidarity and integration, noting several pioneering initiatives launched by Morocco to bolster climate action in Africa.
WGEO President Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer acknowledged the Forum’s timing amid the tangible realities of climate change, with African cities facing rising temperatures, water scarcity, and environmental degradation. He noted these challenges also present opportunities for positive transformation toward sustainable development.
Al Tayer elaborated that WGEO, through the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), aims to ensure inclusive, resilient green growth. With Africa as the alliance’s cornerstone, the goal is to build fair and sustainable cities capable of adapting to climate change by enhancing their capacity to develop viable green projects, renewable energy solutions, sustainable mobility, and waste-to-energy initiatives.
Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, emphasized the region’s ambition to become a model of green economy transition. He highlighted its strategic position as a bridge between Africa and Europe and noted efforts to promote investment in renewable energy, develop sustainable infrastructure, support green innovation, and engage citizens in environmental preservation.
Moro also pointed out that the Forum serves as an effective platform for sharing experiences among local governments, the public and private sectors, and civil society. This helps unify efforts of city leaders and local stakeholders to design practical projects and foster public-private partnerships aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in urban areas.
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, noted that despite Africa’s contribution of only 3-4% to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the continents most vulnerable to climate change impacts. He stressed Africa’s potential to surpass polluting and unequal development models by constructing greener, smarter cities, as demonstrated by numerous African cities committed to sustainability initiatives.
Nathalie Fustier, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Morocco, remarked that this regional forum aligns with a critical momentum of South-South cooperation and experience-sharing among African cities. She described it as a strategic platform for peer learning, identifying viable projects, building coalitions, and developing carbon neutrality pathways suited to African realities.
Fustier also emphasized the UN System’s efforts in Morocco to support cities and territories in their ambitious green transition. She reiterated the UN’s commitment to this process with all partners, adding, “It is our collective responsibility to make African cities more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient living spaces.”
Tangier Mayor Mounir Laymouri, who is also President of the Moroccan Association of Municipal Council Presidents (AMPCC), stated that Africa is central to the green transition. He highlighted that this transformation relies on empowering cities and local authorities with the necessary resources, while noting that African local governments often face financial and human resource limitations.
The two-day event features debates on various green economy-related topics, including carbon neutrality, policies and governance, greening African cities, renewable energy solutions, sustainable transport, waste management and circular economy, smart water management, and green industrialization.