Moroccan Youth Council Organizes Roundtable on Moroccan Sahara in Barcelona
Barcelona – The Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation recently held a significant roundtable at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, focusing on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara. The event saw the participation of the diplomatic representation of the Kingdom of Morocco in Catalonia, along with various academics, Moroccan and Spanish students, and members of the Council.
This initiative aligns with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which emphasizes the involvement of Moroccan youth in defending major national causes and engaging in international forums through citizen-oriented, innovative, and responsible diplomacy.
Mrs. Aicha Moussa, Vice-President of the Council, chaired the meeting, highlighting that this initiative is part of the Council’s efforts to foster academic and objective discussions, allowing students to engage with the Moroccan Sahara issue in its legal and political dimensions. She stressed the importance of involving youth in scientific, rational, and responsible advocacy that keeps pace with regional and international developments and contributes to building solid awareness, away from slogans. Mrs. Moussa also underlined the significance of utilizing European university platforms to convey the Moroccan perspective using well-documented scientific language and encouraging Moroccan students to actively contribute to defending national causes from their respective positions, relying on knowledge and professionalism.
Mr. Moataz Kobry, President of the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation, affirmed the Council’s commitment to enabling youth to play a structured and institutional role in defending national causes. He noted that the southern provinces of the Kingdom are experiencing an unprecedented developmental boom in infrastructure, education, economy, and investment, as part of the new development model launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Mr. Charif Cherkaoui, Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Barcelona, stated that the Moroccan Sahara issue is the cornerstone of the Kingdom’s foreign policy. He pointed to a growing international awareness of the justice of Morocco’s position, supported by developments on the ground and political advances that reinforce its credibility. He also praised the role played by civil society actors, especially youth, in strengthening Morocco’s presence within European academic circles in support of the nation’s supreme interests.
Mr. Ahmed Benallal, Political Advisor in Catalonia, emphasized that Morocco’s autonomy initiative, proposed in 2007, is a serious and credible proposal enjoying increasing international support. He added that it reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to finding a final solution to the artificial conflict within the framework of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The event was attended by numerous Moroccan and Spanish students, academic stakeholders, and Council members, who expressed their appreciation for the quality of the discussion, the diversity of contributions, and the depth of the topics addressed. They emphasized that such initiatives help foster a culture of dialogue and enhance Morocco’s image abroad.
This activity is part of the Council’s broader program aimed at activating youth diplomacy and strengthening advocacy for national causes in international forums, through an approach based on openness, capacity-building, and the effective inclusion of young Moroccan talents living abroad.
