Morocco-gulf forum pushes for youth innovation funding boost

Stronger financial mechanisms needed to empower young entrepreneurs

The three-day Morocco-Gulf Forum on Youth Economic and Social Empowerment, concluded in Casablanca on Tuesday, wrapped up with a strong call to enhance financial support for youth-led innovative projects. The focus is on creating tailored funding mechanisms, particularly in the green, blue and digital sectors.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Youth Department in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat General, brought together around 100 participants. This included young entrepreneurs, experts, institutional leaders and ecosystem players from Morocco and Gulf countries.

Youth empowerment as a cornerstone for sustainable development

Ahmed Aboukrim, Chair of the Forum’s Scientific Committee, highlighted that discussions underscored the vital role of youth economic and social empowerment as a strategic lever. It is increasingly seen as essential to address economic, social and technological shifts while achieving sustainable development goals.

The sessions emphasized adopting integrated approaches that blend education, skills development, employability, entrepreneurship, innovation and financing. A key focus was placed on investing in human capital to boost national economic competitiveness.

Four key sectors to drive youth economic independence

Workshops delved into four strategic sectors identified as new engines for youth economic empowerment:

• Green economy: Promoting sustainable business models and eco-friendly initiatives
• Artificial intelligence and digital transformation: Harnessing technology to create new opportunities
• Renewable energy and green hydrogen: Building cleaner energy solutions for the future
• Blue economy and water resources: Developing sustainable aquatic and marine-based projects

Tailored funds and incubators recommended for young innovators

Recommendations from the workshops included establishing dedicated funds to finance youth-led innovations in green, blue and digital fields. Other proposals involved strengthening joint research and training programs, developing specialized incubators and adopting common indicators to measure the impact on youth employment, innovation and sustainability.

Participants noted that the Morocco-GCC synergy in resources, expertise and investment capacity provides fertile ground for a regional cooperation model. This model would be rooted in innovation, knowledge economy and sustainable development, directly benefiting youth economic and social empowerment.

Gulf delegation praises Morocco’s hosting efforts

Salma Khalifa Al Ghafli, Head of the United Arab Emirates delegation, commended the high standard of organization and hospitality extended by the Kingdom of Morocco. She emphasized the deep fraternal ties binding Morocco and GCC nations.

Al Ghafli stressed that the forum serves as a privileged platform for experience-sharing and partnership-building to advance youth economic and social empowerment. She affirmed that investing in youth is the most impactful investment in the future of nations.

A tribute to participating delegations

The closing ceremony honored the heads of delegations from GCC countries and representatives of diplomatic missions. This recognition celebrated their contributions to the forum’s success and their commitment to strengthening Morocco-GCC cooperation in youth and development matters.