Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has made sustainable mobility a central element of its national development strategy, according to Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, during his address in Fes on Wednesday.
Speaking at the opening of the international seminar, "Accessibility and Mobility in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas: Challenges and Opportunities for the Cities of Tomorrow," Baraka outlined Morocco’s efforts to modernize its transportation networks, develop efficient public transit systems, promote active mobility, and integrate innovative technologies to optimize traffic management and reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.
These initiatives, Baraka emphasized, are part of a broader, global approach that prioritizes international dialogue and knowledge-sharing as essential to creating more sustainable mobility systems.
The Fes seminar, part of the official program of the World Road Association (PIARC), brings together experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world. Baraka highlighted that Morocco views mobility challenges as global in nature, which require coordinated, collective responses.
Describing the conference as a strategic platform for both discussion and practical action, he noted that it could serve as a catalyst for new partnerships, joint projects, and forward-thinking policies aimed at creating smarter, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable cities.
“Mobility is not only a fundamental right but also a key driver of social justice, economic growth, and environmental sustainability,” Baraka stated, emphasizing the significant challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing cities, including congestion, environmental strain, and social fragmentation.
However, he also stressed that cities possess immense transformative potential if strategic vision, technological innovation, and political will are aligned effectively. The three-day seminar, attended by around 200 participants—including international experts, multilateral organization representatives, and urban planning policymakers—focuses on fostering high-level dialogue around sustainable urban mobility policies.
The program features five technical sessions and a roundtable, addressing priorities outlined in PIARC’s 2024-2027 strategic plan while bridging Moroccan and international experiences. Organized by the Moroccan Permanent Association of Road Congresses (AMPCR) in partnership with PIARC and the Private University of Fes (UPF), and under the auspices of the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the event explores innovative solutions in transport planning, regulation, safety, and resilience, with a strong emphasis on social equity, inclusion, and sustainability.