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Rabat– Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, attended the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as a distinguished guest of honor.
Princess Lalla Hasnaa was warmly received by Sara Awad Issa Musallam, UAE Minister of State for Early Childhood Education, ahead of the congress’s opening session.
In her keynote address, the princess talked about Morocco’s commitment to environmental protection under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
She highlighted the Foundation’s work as a concrete expression of the royal vision, implementing measurable initiatives to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
“Our mission is ambitious: to integrate education for sustainable development and the protection of natural ecosystems into public policy, business practices, and civic life,” she said, emphasizing that citizen engagement is essential for the success of environmental initiatives.
Princess Lalla Hasnaa drew attention to programs such as Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment, which aim to instill in children and youth the understanding that safeguarding biodiversity is fundamental to their future. She also highlighted major initiatives including the “B7ar Bla Plastic” campaign, launched in 2019 to reduce ocean plastic pollution, as well as restoration and preservation projects at the Palm Grove in Marrakech and RAMSAR sites in Marchica, Oued Eddahab, and Dakhla.
The princess also emphasized the role of sport and technology in fostering environmental awareness. “Sport speaks a universal language. It inspires collective values and can mobilize communities, particularly youth, for environmental action,” she said.
She pointed to artificial intelligence as a tool to better understand ecosystems, anticipate risks, and design innovative solutions, stressing that the ethical and inclusive use of these technologies rests with the younger generation.
Addressing youth, particularly in Africa, the princess said, “You are not only the leaders of the future, but are already shaping the present. With your energy and commitment, we can build a future where humanity and nature thrive together.” She concluded by highlighting four key pillars for turning Morocco’s environmental vision into reality: education, mobilization, innovation, and youth engagement.
The opening ceremony, chaired by Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, also featured speeches from Surangel Whipps Junior, President of Palau; Amna Al Dhahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; and Razan Al Mubarak, President of the IUCN.
Following the ceremony, Princess Lalla Hasnaa met with Dr. Sylvia Earle, American oceanographer and President of the NGO Mission Blue, and toured the pavilions of the UAE, the IUCN, and African nations.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress gathers heads of state, ministers, international organization leaders, and experts from around the globe to coordinate efforts on nature conservation, climate action, and sustainable development priorities.
MWN with MAP
