HM King Mohammed VI calls for sustainable development and coastal preservation

Saturday 11 October 2025 - 09:08

By: Dakir Madiha

HM King Mohammed VI calls for sustainable development and coastal preservation

His Majesty King Mohammed VI opened the new legislative year on Friday with a call for comprehensive efforts to balance Morocco's economic growth with environmental sustainability. In his address to Parliament, the monarch emphasized the urgent need to protect the country’s coastlines while promoting sustainable development across rural and urban areas.

The King urged the government to implement the National Coastal Plan and enforce laws governing coastal management. He stressed the importance of safeguarding natural assets while encouraging the rapid development of these areas. Describing Morocco’s coastlines as vital to building a “national blue economy,” he called for initiatives that both preserve marine ecosystems and generate jobs and wealth.

The speech also highlighted the need to expand rural centers to reduce urban migration pressures and ensure fairer access to basic services in remote areas. By decentralizing development, the King noted, Morocco can promote social and territorial justice while addressing regional disparities.

A vision for Morocco's future

Beyond environmental issues, the King outlined a broader vision for national development. He called on Parliament, the government, and civil society to work collaboratively with responsibility and integrity. A key focus of his address was creating opportunities for youth and fostering equity in education, healthcare, and regional infrastructure.

The speech came at a pivotal moment, with public frustrations mounting over social inequality and governance. Recent youth-led demonstrations, such as the Gen Z 212 protests, have spotlighted demands for accountability, better public services, and greater social justice. The King’s emphasis on local development, job creation, and improved public sectors appeared to address these growing concerns.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI concluded by urging all national actors to unite behind shared priorities, including regional development, job creation for youth, and enhanced public services. He reaffirmed the need for integrity and dedication in serving the Moroccan people, emphasizing, “Serving the nation requires integrity, commitment, and selflessness.”