Morocco’s Commitment to Sustainable Development through South-South Cooperation

Support for Vulnerable Developing Nations

Morocco has pledged comprehensive support to small island developing states, least developed countries (LDCs), and landlocked developing nations by leveraging effective South-South cooperation. This commitment was articulated by Abdellah Laghmid, Morocco’s Deputy Permanent Representative to UN organizations in Rome, during the 44th General Conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Sharing Expertise to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Morocco is actively sharing its expertise in critical sectors that align with multiple SDGs, including:

• Sustainable agriculture (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
• Fishing and irrigation management (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)
• Renewable energy (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)
• Vocational training (SDG 4: Quality Education)
• Food system transformation (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)

These efforts are tailored to meet the specific needs of partner countries, particularly in Africa, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Leading Climate Initiatives Supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Morocco has demonstrated leadership in climate action by establishing three climate commissions focused on:

1. The Congo Basin
2. The Sahel region
3. Island states

These commissions were launched during the 22nd Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP22) in Marrakech in 2016, reflecting Morocco’s proactive approach and solidarity-driven vision under King Mohammed VI.

Strategic Atlantic Initiative for Continental Development

The Royal Atlantic Initiative is a strategic framework designed to scale Morocco’s projects to a continental level, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative aims to transform the Sahel region into an “Atlantic highway” by integrating:

• Structured development projects
• Modern infrastructure
• New technologies

These efforts contribute directly to achieving sustainable development goals by promoting regional connectivity and economic growth (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Addressing Food Security and Resilience Challenges

Morocco recognizes the structural challenges affecting food security and the resilience of agri-food systems in vulnerable countries. Key areas of focus include:

• Strengthening food production capacities (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
• Enhancing adaptation to climate change (SDG 13: Climate Action)
• Facilitating access to technology, financing, and markets (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)

Morocco’s Cooperation Model Emphasizing Solidarity and Practical Solutions

The Moroccan cooperation model is founded on solidarity and the development of practical solutions that are aligned with the priorities of partner countries. Morocco advocates for:

• Strengthening technology transfer
• Ensuring food security remains central to development programs
• Supporting small island developing states, LDCs, and landlocked developing nations

This model exemplifies Morocco’s growing leadership in South-South cooperation and its dedication to addressing development challenges, particularly in food security and climate adaptation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses food security challenges, resilience of agri-food systems, and the need to strengthen food production capacities.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Morocco shares expertise in renewable energy as part of its cooperation efforts.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights Morocco’s leadership in climate initiatives, including climate commissions for vulnerable regions and adaptation to climate change.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Emphasis on South-South cooperation, triangular cooperation, and international partnerships to support developing nations.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Mention of vocational training, technology transfer, and modern means and new technologies in development projects.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 7 Targets:
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the UNFCCC to mobilize climate finance.
4. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries.
5. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Food Security and Agricultural Productivity Indicators:
   • Prevalence of undernourishment or food insecurity in small island developing states, LDCs, and landlocked developing countries.
   • Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Access to technology, financing, and markets for agricultural producers.
2. Renewable Energy Indicators:
   • Share of renewable energy in the total energy consumption of partner countries.
3. Climate Action Indicators:
   • Number and effectiveness of climate commissions and initiatives established (e.g., for Congo Basin, Sahel, island states).
   • Capacity of countries to adapt to climate-related hazards.
   • Mobilization of climate finance and technology transfer.
4. Partnership and Cooperation Indicators:
   • Number of South-South and triangular cooperation projects implemented.
   • Level of technology transfer and vocational training provided.
   • Extent of international cooperation and capacity-building activities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: moroccoworldnews.com