Morocco’s Commitment to Inclusive and Sustainable Development

Introduction

Morocco is actively implementing structural reforms aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. Aziz Akhannouch, head of the Moroccan government, emphasized this commitment during the 4th United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development held in Seville, Spain.

National Development Strategy Aligned with SDGs

Since King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne in 1999, Morocco has pursued comprehensive development across economic and social sectors. The country’s strategy prioritizes inclusion and sustainability to benefit the entire population, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Social Protection: Enhancing social safety nets to reduce poverty and inequality (SDG 1, SDG 10).
• Compulsory Health Insurance: Expanding healthcare access to improve health outcomes (SDG 3).
• Housing: Promoting affordable and adequate housing solutions (SDG 11).
• Education: Improving educational opportunities for all citizens (SDG 4).
• Health Services: Strengthening health infrastructure and services (SDG 3).

Funding Mechanisms for Sustainable Development

To finance these reforms, Morocco has implemented several mechanisms aimed at mobilizing domestic resources effectively:

1. Broadening the Tax Base: Increasing tax revenues through an expanded taxpayer pool (SDG 17).
2. Combating Tax Evasion: Enhancing tax compliance to secure necessary funds (SDG 16).
3. Development-Friendly Tax Environment: Creating incentives to stimulate sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).

Despite these efforts, additional financial resources remain essential to sustain and expand reforms that promote social inclusiveness and environmental sustainability.

International Cooperation and Development Financing

Morocco benefits from strong international cooperation, which plays a critical role in supporting its development agenda:

• Collaboration with traditional international financial institutions.
• Engagement with new economic and social actors on the global stage.
• Robust diplomatic efforts enhancing partnerships with key countries and organizations.
• Development cooperation that significantly contributes to Morocco’s progress towards the SDGs.

The country’s active participation in the 4th UN International Conference on Financing for Development underscores its commitment to leveraging global financing mechanisms to overcome geopolitical challenges and promote sustainable development.

Morocco’s Role in Global Sustainable Development Financing

As a middle-income country, Morocco aspires to influence the global discourse on financing for development by advocating for new approaches that ensure equitable and sustainable growth worldwide. This ambition aligns with the overarching objectives of the SDGs, particularly:

• Promoting inclusive economic growth (SDG 8).
• Reducing inequalities within and among countries (SDG 10).
• Strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17).

Conclusion

Morocco’s comprehensive reforms and strategic international cooperation demonstrate its dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Through effective financing strategies and global engagement, the country is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for its citizens.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article highlights Morocco’s efforts to improve social protection and living conditions, which are directly related to poverty reduction.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Implementation of compulsory health insurance and improvements in health services are mentioned.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – Education reforms are part of the structural changes Morocco is implementing.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses job creation strategies and economic reforms aimed at inclusive growth.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Emphasis on social inclusiveness and equitable development.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article mentions good governance practices such as fighting tax evasion and improving the tax environment.
7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – International cooperation and financing for development are key themes.

2. Specific Targets Identified Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all.
2. SDG 3
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
3. SDG 4
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
4. SDG 8
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
5. SDG 10
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
6. SDG 16
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.4: Significantly reduce corruption and bribery.
7. SDG 17
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Social Protection Coverage – Implied through reforms in social protection and compulsory health insurance (related to SDG 1.3 and 3.8).
2. Access to Health Services – Implied by the implementation of compulsory health insurance and health reforms (SDG 3.8).
3. Education Enrollment and Completion Rates – Implied by reforms in education (SDG 4.1).
4. Employment Rates and Job Creation – Implied by the job creation strategy and economic reforms (SDG 8.5 and 8.3).
5. Tax Revenue as Percentage of GDP – Implied by the broadening of the tax base and fight against tax evasion (SDG 16.6 and 16.4).
6. Amount of International Financial Support Received – Implied by international cooperation and financing efforts (SDG 17.3 and 17.9).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: atalayar.com