Rabat – Morocco’s Human Rights Council (CNDH) opened a scientific forum today under the theme “Youth Empowerment: Girls at the Heart of Inclusive and Sustainable Development”. The two-day event, held on September 22 and 23, brings together experts, officials, and young people to discuss strategies for empowering youth and girls across the country.
Amina Bouayach, President of the CNDH, during her opening speech, said that empowering youth and girls is not only essential for their personal development but is also a cornerstone of broader social and economic progress.
“Any sustainable development cannot succeed without removing obstacles for young people, expanding their opportunities for political and economic participation, enhancing their initiative and creativity, and listening to their voices,” she stated.
Bouayach noted that empowering women and girls is explicitly recognized as Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Experience has shown that supporting girls and women produces a multiplier effect, including accelerating economic growth and ensuring everyone benefits from development gains.
She stressed that full and equal participation of youth and girls is critical in education, healthcare, social protection, and public life.
The CNDH president also underlined the importance of addressing persistent inequalities and gender gaps. She explained that investing in girls’ and youths’ potential is cost-effective and generates long-term benefits for society.
“Equality is closely linked to all other development goals, from health and education to poverty reduction. For example, a recent UN report shows that reducing school dropout rates by just 1% could generate $470 billion in global income,” she said.
Bouayach drew attention to the challenges girls face, including discrimination, stereotypes, and violence. She spoke about the need to create safe environments that protect their dignity, security, and full participation in public life.
She also highlighted the digital space as a key platform for young people’s creativity, dialogue, and civic engagement, urging that youth empowerment programs take this space into account.
The CNDH has adopted an approach based on listening and engaging with youth across Morocco to understand human rights issues and their links to development. Moroccan youth have participated in the Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations in Geneva, providing recommendations on rights issues.
The council has also conducted regional and national consultations with children, including girls, between February 2023 and February 2024, and organized listening sessions in the context of the Al Haouz earthquake.
Children involved highlighted challenges such as domestic violence, child marriage, and access to sexual and reproductive health, calling for policies that guarantee their rights to participation, education, health, protection, and freedom of expression.
Bouayach concluded that any public policy or development program that does not adopt a clear human-rights-based approach will fail to achieve sustainable development goals.
“Investing in the potential of girls and youth is, at its core, an investment in the present and future of our country. It is the only path to inclusive, fair, and human-centered development, where dignity and equality are the foundation, and justice and participation are irreversible goals,” she said.
