احصل على تحديثات في الوقت الفعلي مباشرة على جهازك ، اشترك الآن.
Moroccan and Canadian Youth as Pillars of Cultural Exchange
Montreal, June 13, 2025
Organized by the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation on June 13, 2025, in Montreal, a high-quality event took place in partnership with Dar Al Maghrib and the National Council for the Integration of Moroccan Competencies Abroad. The event was held in the distinguished presence of the Moroccan diplomatic representation in Canada, represented by Mr. El Mahdi Gaouane, alongside the inspiring participation of young Moroccans and Canadians, as well as numerous Moroccan professionals living in Canada, academics, and civil society actors. According to a report by the Maghreb Arab Press Agency, received by this newspaper.
This initiative served as a unique platform for exchange and dialogue, bringing together youthful energy and the ambition for change in a country seen as a global model of cultural diversity and integration. This context gave the initiative a symbolic dimension, reflecting the spirit of connection between the Kingdom of Morocco and Canada—two nations bonded by a strong friendship rooted in shared values of openness, peace, social justice, and coexistence of cultures.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Moataz Kobry, President of the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation, emphasized that this meeting reflects the noble vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has consistently highlighted the pivotal role of Moroccan youth around the world—seeing them as an invaluable national asset and a beacon of cultural influence. He noted that this enlightened Royal vision finds its natural extension in the promising orientation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, who inspires the nation’s youth with a spirit of renewal and responsibility, and who stands as a role model for a generation confidently moving toward the future—firmly rooted in its values and openly engaged with the world through its authentic principles. He also called for a creative cultural convergence between Morocco’s deeply rooted heritage and Canada’s open and dynamic spirit, stressing that the objective of the meeting is not to dissolve identities but to foster dialogue, complementarity, and joint innovation through a responsible youth diplomacy.
Ikram Ezhrauan, the Council’s Ambassador to Canada, praised the active role of youth in Canada, calling them key players in social development and agents of positive change. She emphasized the importance of the Moroccan Youth Council for building cultural bridges and also acknowledged the essential role of the Moroccan Embassy in Canada in supporting youth and strengthening their attachment to their heritage.
Mr. El Mahdi Gaouane, representative of the Moroccan diplomatic mission in Canada, declared that this meeting reflects the new dynamic in Moroccan–Canadian relations, highlighting that youth is a key pillar of cultural and diplomatic rapprochement between the two countries. He praised the dynamic role of the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation in strengthening ties between the Moroccan community and Canadian youth, emphasizing the importance of parallel diplomacy led by young people to promote values of understanding, openness, and dialogue.
Houda Zemmouri, Director of Dar Al Maghrib, emphasized that Moroccan and Canadian youth today represent a fundamental pillar in building bridges of cultural dialogue. She noted that the shared spaces offered by both institutions serve as effective platforms to host creative youth-led initiatives that contribute to promoting the values of coexistence and openness.
Selma Régragui, President of the National Council for the Integration of Moroccan Competencies Abroad, highlighted the value of skilled Moroccan youth abroad, calling them a true soft power that contributes to strengthening Morocco’s image internationally. She called for integrating these talents into the state’s strategic vision, particularly in areas such as parallel diplomacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Academic and civil society speakers—both Moroccan and Canadian—expressed great respect for the Kingdom of Morocco, describing it as a model of moderation, openness, and pluralism. They praised Morocco’s commitment to youth empowerment and recommended strengthening partnerships between Canadian and Moroccan institutions in education, technology, and cultural innovation.
The event witnessed the remarkable participation of members of the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation in Canada, who played a key role in organizing, facilitating, and engaging with guests. They affirmed their full readiness to represent Morocco with competence and integrity and expressed firm commitment to the Council’s vision, aiming at empowering youth and representing national causes with a strong sense of ethics and diplomatic responsibility.
