African women journalists discuss climate change with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita

Rabat, March 05, 2020 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, met, on March 5^th, 150 members of “Les Panafricaines”, the African Women Journalists network, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rabat, for a breakfast debate.

With 300 members from 54 African countries, “Les Panafricaines” will meet on March 6-7, 2020 in Casablanca for its third forum under the theme: “Climate emergency: the media agents of change”, a key issue for Africa.

In a speech addressed to African women journalists, Nasser Bourita underlined the importance of media action to face the serious consequences of climate change: “Dealing with the issue of climate change is not a luxury for Africa. It is an emergency and a necessity”. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, this is the reason why the Kingdom is committed to promoting clean energies and aims to bring the share of renewable energies in the Moroccan energy mix to 52% by 2030, which will make the Kingdom the second country in the world in terms of climate performance.

The head of Moroccan diplomacy also stressed that African women have been the most affected by the impact of global warming on the continent, notably its socio-economic consequences. This is the main reason that motivated “Les Panafricaines” network to choose this year to highlight the climate emergency in the continent. Nasser Bourita added: “African women journalists shall be the spokespersons of an Africa that shifts from advocacy to action”.

At the end of the meeting, fifty African women journalists visited the International University Campus in Rabat, where they were welcomed by Mohammed Methqal, Ambassador-Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). AMCI aims to develop, expand and strengthen all cultural, scientific, technical and economic relations with partner countries, notably within the framework of South-South cooperation.

During their visit to the International University Campus, these journalists discovered the living environment of foreign students in Morocco and met their fellow citizens from various African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Mauritania, Ghana and the Comoros Islands.

In an address, Mohammed Methqal, Ambassador-Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation stressed that the International University City symbolizes the kingdom’s historic and permanent commitment to train African youth.

“More than 70 nationalities live in the City, including 47 African countries, making it one of the most diverse places per square meter in Africa”, Mr. Methqal said, adding that while African countries face major economic, security and environmental challenges, it is urgent for all of us to continue our commitment in this battle against the threat of climate change.

Initiated by 2M in 2017, ” Les Panafricaines” is a network of African women journalists whose members come from 54 African countries. This network aims to promote greater responsibility of African media in the treatment of key issues of interest to public opinion on the continent, as well as to be a genuine platform for debate and advocacy.