The 8th edition of the Euro-Mediterranean Forum of Young Leaders kicked off on Friday in Essaouira, bringing together a diverse gathering of decision-makers, experts, researchers, and young leaders from both shores of the Mediterranean.
The three-day event offers a platform for reflection and dialogue on the common challenges facing Mediterranean youth. Its goal is to strengthen synergies among civil society actors, institutions, and young people with projects and ideas.
The opening ceremony was attended by HM the King’s Advisor and Founding President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, André Azoulay, the French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, as well as prominent personalities from various backgrounds.
In his keynote address, Azoulay emphasized the importance of a common and united approach to tackling the challenges facing the Mediterranean, such as the environmental crisis, climate change, and ocean preservation. "The Mediterranean is not just a sea, but a true crossroads of cultures and civilizations."
Today, more than ever, the sea stands at the heart of humanity’s future," he emphasized, urging collective preparation to face the challenges ahead. "In all its diversity, the sea holds the keys to many of the world’s most pressing issues—especially in the fight against climate change and the depletion of natural resources."
This forum, by giving a voice to the new generation, allows us to hear their visions and proposals. It is vital that young people feel empowered with the responsibility of finding sustainable, innovative, and collective solutions, because they are the builders of tomorrow’s world, he pointed out.
"Their energy, creativity, and ability to collaborate beyond geographical boundaries are invaluable assets in the quest for a more planet-friendly future," said HM the King’s Advisor.
In his view, the city stands as a model of peaceful coexistence and openness. The Mediterranean, he affirmed, should not be seen as a dividing line, must be a space for sharing, exchange, and harmony among its peoples. "And it is here, in Essaouira, that we must come together to envision the Mediterranean of tomorrow—greener, more inclusive, and resolutely oriented toward a shared future," Azoulay concluded.
For his part, Lecourtier said that this forum represents a unique moment of connection and dialogue between the younger generations of both Mediterranean shores, called upon to imagine solutions together for environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Discussing the importance of cooperation and solidarity uniting France and Morocco—particularly in the fight against environmental issues—the diplomat noted that "France and Morocco, as historic partners, have a key role to play in ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for this region."
The large-scale forum will continue throughout the weekend, featuring a wide array of workshops on various topics. It will also host a Hackathon aimed at sparking creativity and social entrepreneurship through the generation of high-impact projects related to maritime and environmental challenges.
MAP: 19 avril 2025
