Civil Society is a Cornerstone of Responsible Citizenship, Baitas Says

Rabat– Civil society remains a cornerstone of responsible citizenship and a defender of national causes, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Relations with Parliament, Mustapha Baitas, emphasized on Friday during the opening of the 6th National Forum on Alternative Financing.

Under the theme, “Alternative Financing: A Lever to Strengthen the Role of Civil Society in Development,” Baitas highlighted the extensive experience civil society has gained on the ground, addressing citizens’ needs across different sectors and engaging with development priorities.

Drawing on a recent quantitative and qualitative assessment of civil society associations, the minister acknowledged the challenges that hinder the effectiveness of these organizations, particularly the limitations in funding their programs and projects. He stressed that the government is actively supporting civil society initiatives, noting that financial sustainability requires a shift toward alternative funding methods.

Baitas pointed to Law No. 15.18 on collaborative financing as a key framework and emphasized the role of digital platforms as innovative tools to complement traditional funding. Other approaches include partnerships with the private sector, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and income-generating activities, all aimed at ensuring long-term project viability.

The minister also highlighted the importance of involving civil society in the digital transformation and in strengthening networking and management capacities, ensuring that associations can continue to contribute effectively as actors in consolidating Morocco’s social state.

The two-day forum provides a platform for dialogue and the exchange of experiences on alternative financing mechanisms, showcasing their impact on civil society’s financial independence. It also seeks to spotlight successful national and international initiatives, reinforce partnerships among civil society, public institutions, and the private sector, and develop practical recommendations to support sustainable development projects.