Morocco, EU launch institutional twinning for youth inclusion

The institutional twinning program between Morocco and the European Union (EU), aimed at “supporting the strengthening of governance and the deployment of innovative initiatives in favor of youth inclusion in Morocco”, was launched on Monday in Rabat.

The twinning was jointly launched by the Minister of Youth, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, and the EU Ambassador to Morocco Patricia Llombart Cussac, in the presence of Moroccan and European partner stakeholders., this twinning aims to strengthen governance mechanisms relating to legal and organizational aspects, promote the convergence of youth programs, and back the development of various initiatives enabling the social and economic inclusion of young people.

The launch seminar provided an opportunity to review the activities planned as part of the roll-out of this 21-month twinning project, financed by the EU to the tune of 1.1 million euros (11 million dirhams), and managed by the Treasury and External Finance Department of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Public Administration and Policy (FIIAPP).

“This initiative reflects our common desire to build bridges between our institutions, to strengthen exchanges and share experiences, with a view to setting up innovative projects to meet the challenges facing young people”, said Bensaid at the seminar.

In this context, he highlighted the fruitful relations between Morocco and the EU, which are based on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared desire to build a better future, noting that this institutional twinning is the fruit of solid cooperation and mutual recognition of common interests, particularly in terms of youth.

The Minister noted that “young people are the driving force behind the society’s economic, social and cultural development,” stressing that “their commitment, creativity and energy are essential to building a dynamic and inclusive society.”

For her part, the EU ambassador welcomed the partnership established between Morocco and the EU in the field of youth, highlighting their awareness of the stakes and responsibilities involved in meeting the expectations and needs of young people.

She said that the aim of this twinning was to support the inclusion of young Moroccans, mainly those without jobs or training, through local services tailored to their needs, in four target regions: Souss-Massa, Fez-Mekens, Oriental and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hociema.

For Llombart Cussac, this twinning is an opportunity to enrich exchanges between countries for the benefit of young people. She also expressed her wish to see this cooperation contribute to the implementation of tangible actions in the field of youth.