Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Housing and Urban Policy Fatima Zahra Mansouri reaffirmed on December 14 the kingdom’s commitment to develop sustainable and integrated urban planning in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
In a speech at the 38th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Urbanism, read on her behalf by Ambassador of Morocco to Jordan, Khalid Naciri, Mansouri reiterated Morocco’s commitment to international efforts to develop urban management within the framework of the Urban Agenda adopted in October 2016.
She spoke in particular of the country’s commitment to meeting Goal 11 of the SDGs, noting the Moroccan government’s projects to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization, as well as integrated and sustainable human settlements that are open, accessible, sustainable, and adaptable to natural hazards.
In the speech, the Moroccan minister called for a reconsideration of technical references, legislative, and legal frameworks governing the housing and urban planning sectors. She also stressed the need to reconsider innovative and prospective approaches to ensure sustainable territorial development.
Mansouri called for improving and monitoring mechanisms through adopting urban planning, housing and city policies with the aim of “rehabilitating and strengthening competitiveness in territorial areas and achieving sustainability.”
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The session was an opportunity to discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and society of the MENA region, with a focus on debating policies adopted by Arab countries on urban planning and housing issues.
The meeting highlighted the approaches and the expected goals to achieve in terms of strengthening cooperation among Arab countries regarding urban and housing policies.
According to the Moroccan official, the meeting comes at a time when the issue of sustainable and balanced development of territories is acutely raised in Morocco.
Recalling that 65% of the Moroccan population is based in the urban area and urban dwellers are expected to reach 75% by 2050, she said cities provide around 75% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 70% of investments, and 43% of the country’s working population.
The session’s agenda includes monitoring the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan in line with the Executive Plan of the Arab Strategy.
