Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, affirmed on Wednesday in Fez that, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has placed sustainable mobility at the heart of its urban development and planning vision.
During the opening of the international conference on “Accessibility and Mobility in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas: Challenges and Opportunities for the Cities of Tomorrow,” the minister explained that the Kingdom is working to modernize its networks, develop efficient public transport, promote active mobility, and integrate modern technologies to improve traffic management and reduce the carbon footprint.
Baraka noted that these efforts are part of a comprehensive vision based on international experience-sharing and dialogue, emphasizing that the Fez conference, organized under the official program of the World Road Association, brings together policymakers, experts, researchers, and field practitioners from around the world. He highlighted Morocco’s conviction that mobility challenges go beyond local boundaries, requiring the development of shared and coordinated solutions.
The minister stressed that the conference serves as a strategic thinking platform and a catalyst for practical initiatives, capable of fostering new partnerships, joint projects, and innovative policies aimed at building more human-centered, intelligent, and sustainable cities.
Baraka also emphasized that mobility is not only a means of transport but also a fundamental right, a driver of social justice, an engine for economic development, and a cornerstone of environmental sustainability. He noted that cities face major challenges due to rapid urbanization, including congestion, environmental pressure, and social fragmentation, yet they have “enormous transformative potential if strategic vision, technological innovation, and political will are combined.”
Around 200 participants, including international experts and representatives from multilateral organizations and decision-makers involved in public policy for mobility and urban management, are attending the conference.
The three-day program includes five technical sessions and a roundtable, addressing priorities outlined in the World Road Association’s 2024–2027 strategic plan, and featuring discussions of both Moroccan and international experiences in the field.
Discussions will also explore innovative solutions for planning, organization, safety, and transport system flexibility, with a focus on social equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
The event is organized by the Moroccan Permanent Association for Road Conferences, in partnership with the World Road Association and Université Privée de Fès, under the supervision of the Ministry of Equipment and Water.
