An international symposium titled "From Generational Renewal to Influential Leadership: Investing in Youth for Sustainable Peace" was held at the Sofitel Rabat Hotel on October 23. The event, organized by the International Women's Communication Foundation in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, brought together representatives from national institutions, the diplomatic corps, the African Union, international organizations, human rights institutions, and civil society.
The symposium provided a platform for exchanging views and experiences on ways to renew women's leadership and enhance intergenerational cooperation. Participants emphasized that the symposium's outcomes align with the King's directives, which stress that young people are a fundamental force in the development and modernization process and in strengthening social cohesion.
The event also highlighted the importance of placing youth issues at the forefront of public policies, as emphasized in the Royal Speech on October 9, 2026. The initiative is part of Morocco's national dynamic in promoting women's rights and implementing its commitments related to the women, peace, and security agenda through the National Action Plan.
The symposium praised the role of the Network of Women Mediators in enhancing women's capacities in mediation and developing networking mechanisms. It also acknowledged the dynamic led by FemWise-Maroc and FemWise-Africa in expanding cooperation opportunities and strengthening the presence of Moroccan and African women mediators in conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives.
The symposium concluded with the issuance of the "Rabat Declaration," which includes six main recommendations. These recommendations focus on promoting young women's leadership, combating structural obstacles, strengthening young women's capacities, and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping public policies.
The Rabat Declaration also emphasizes the importance of territorial equity, inclusion, and cooperation between public institutions, women's organizations, universities, and youth organizations. It proposes a "Rabat Roadmap" to translate the recommendations into practical initiatives, including intergenerational mentorship and applied training for young women mediators.
The declaration is based on national and international references, including the 2011 Constitution, UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 2250, the African Union's Agenda 2063, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Key points
- The symposium's outcomes align with the King's directives to prioritize youth issues in public policies.
- The Rabat Declaration includes six main recommendations to promote young women's leadership and participation in peacebuilding.
- The event highlighted the importance of intergenerational cooperation and territorial equity in promoting sustainable peace.
