Zurich: Morocco’s Benaïssa Alyahyaoui was recently honored in a ceremony in Zurich for his efforts in advancing intercultural dialogue. The event, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Green March, was attended by political figures, diplomats, academics, and members of the Moroccan diaspora from both countries.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Alyahyaoui, who serves as the president of the “Green Star Society,” is renowned for founding the World Couscous Day for Friendship and Peace. This initiative has been celebrated annually in Zurich for the past two decades, promoting the idea that peace can be fostered around a shared table. It has transformed couscous into a symbol of dialogue, sustainability, and unity.

During the ceremony, IDEE-SUISSE President Olaf Böhme described Alyahyaoui as “a bridge builder who uses culture as a universal language of mutual understanding.” Furthermore, a representative from Morocco’s Embassy in Bern commended Alyahyaoui’s efforts in promoting Moroccan culin
ary heritage and strengthening ties between Morocco, Switzerland, and the international community.

The IDEE-SUISSE Prize, now in its sixth edition, was established in 1981 to support creativity, sustainable development, and the advancement of intercultural dialogue.