Parliamentary and Parallel Diplomacy: Choosing the Right Spokespersons to Defend the National Cause of the Sahara

Morocco’s nation branding is a matter of sovereignty, a national issue that must be addressed in parliament with unwavering determination. The image of Morocco is not built solely on its economic successes or structural projects, but on how it defends and promotes its territorial legitimacy across the world.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s speech at the opening of the legislative year was direct and clear on the strategic issue of the Sahara, which led me to reflect on the reality of our discourse in the context of nation branding.

The challenge for Morocco goes beyond defending its territorial legitimacy. It requires developing a coherent nation branding strategy that mobilizes diverse talents aligned with international issues.

In parliamentary and parallel diplomacy, promoting our national cause requires carefully chosen spokespersons who can represent Morocco with competence, eloquence, and credibility. Each participant in parliamentary and parallel diplomacy must be selected based on rigorous criteria. Their skills and profiles must align not only with the objectives but also with the international context in which Morocco’s diplomatic relations are evolving.

It is about identifying the right interlocutors and target audiences, depending on the nature and stance of the countries involved. A detailed mapping should be created: on one side, countries that firmly defend our cause; on the other, those that are hesitant; and finally, those that are not yet convinced. Each category requires a tailored approach, and it is crucial that our spokespersons are prepared accordingly.

However, countries are not the only actors involved. Numerous organizations, think tanks, and influence groups play a decisive role in shaping international opinions and policies. Parliamentary diplomacy must also establish a precise mapping of these actors to better target its actions and messages within the framework of nation branding.

Nation branding can no longer consist of occasional initiatives. It must become a full-fledged parliamentary policy, a well-defined framework that mobilizes all available resources. This nation branding policy must be inclusive, selecting spokespersons from all segments of our parliament: young and old, men and women, who master not only Arabic but also languages like English, Spanish, and French.

Each language is a gateway to a civilization. How can we hope to influence others if we do not speak their language? How can we claim to understand a country without knowing its culture? This is where the linguistic and cultural diversity of our spokespersons becomes a major diplomatic asset.

In parliamentary diplomacy, as in parliament itself, the power of speech is undeniable. The way a spokesperson expresses themselves, the ease with which they argue, and how they embody their message are all crucial. It is not enough to have solid arguments; they must be delivered with strength and persuasion. A spokesperson who masters the subtleties of language can sway opinions.

This need for skilled individuals must be paired with strategic planning. The success of our parliamentary and parallel diplomacy depends on anticipating key events and international meetings. It is essential to identify important moments and emblematic venues where Morocco must be strongly represented, ensuring that our discourse is diverse. This comprehensive approach ensures that only competence prevails, as the stakes are national.

In this context, every political party and civil society actor must be integrated into a coherent and inclusive parliamentary diplomacy agenda. This will ensure that our advocacy for the Sahara cause remains omnipresent on the international stage, carried by many voices but with a unified message.

I emphasize: nation branding cannot be the responsibility of just one commission or group. It must be orchestrated by parliament with the highest level of political sponsorship, for it is a matter of our sovereignty.