Rabat: Speaking at the opening of a regional conference on public integrity, organized by the INPPLC in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Benalilou underlined that Morocco’s voluntary adherence to the OECD’s Public Integrity Indicators Programme ‘is not a technical act, but a sovereign choice,’ an evidence of its firm conviction that transparency is a source of trust and legitimacy founded on aptitude and accountability.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Benalilou emphasized that each positive indicator should be seen as a new starting point rather than a reason for complacency. He urged for bold execution, strengthened coordination, and deeper follow-up and evaluation. He highlighted the importance of independent governing institutions as voices of constructive criticism and the conscience of responsible reform, which should be measured by their concrete impact on citizens’ lives.

Benalilou further stated that the next step should focus on ensuring t
he effectiveness of laws and their sustainable impact on society. This requires collective mobilization and greater involvement of citizens and civil society in evaluating public policies.

Janos Bertok, Deputy Director for Public Governance at OECD, noted that the Organisation provides a platform for sharing experiences and good practices to promote integrity, accelerate reforms, and adapt them to national contexts. The OECD’s support is structured around evidence-based dialogue, data collection and analysis, and applying the Organization’s standards and recommendations for member and partner countries’ benefit.

Simon Madden, Director of Integrity and Ethics at the UK Cabinet Office, described Morocco’s official accession to the OECD Recommendation on Public Integrity as a ‘historic event’ and a ‘major turning point’ for the Kingdom and the region. Madden, who is also the Chair of the OECD Working Group on Public Integrity and Anti-Corruption, said this move reflects Morocco’s strong ambition to enhance pub
lic governance, combat corruption, and instill a culture of integrity in both public and private sectors. He also affirmed the Working Group’s readiness to support Morocco in implementing the recommendation and sharing best practices.