Kick-off of the proceedings of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health, and Sustainable Development under the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), with the participation of the Moroccan Parliamentary Representation

The Proceedings of the Committee on Social Affairs, Heath and Sustainable Development under the Parliamentary Assembly of the PACE were launched yesterday, March 16, in Marrakech.

The opening session was chaired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rachid Talbi El Alami, and Ms. Olena Khomenko, Vice-Chair of the Committee, in the presence of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Mohamed Sabbari, and members of the Moroccan Parliamentary Representation to the PACE, including Rep. Salma Benaziz, Rep. Imane Lmaoui, Rep. Driss Sentissi, Rep. Abdellah Bouanou, Rep. Allal Amraoui, Rep. Hassan Oumribte and Rep. Hassan Arif.

In his address, the Speaker of the House of Representatives stressed that the partnership existing between the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is exemplary, sincere and fruitful that supports the partnership existing between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Council of Europe, and between the Kingdom of Morocco and the members of the Council in bilateral frameworks.

The opening session was marked by the speech of Rep. Salma Benaziz, Chairperson of the Moroccan Parliamentary Representation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where she stressed that this meeting, as being held in an African country, represents an opportunity for the continent to crystallize its vision regarding the social, health and environmental challenges facing Europe and the world.

In this regard, Rep. Salma Benaziz explained that cooperation between the Parliamentary Assembly and its partners is of great importance in the current context marked by regional, continental and international challenges that are increasingly facing Parliament, indicating that political, security, health and food challenges require solidarity among parliamentarians.

Rep. Benaziz also added that the Kingdom of Morocco, which celebrates this year the 12th anniversary of being partner for democracy status, aspired to an advanced status in its relations with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, given its achievements in the area of democracy, the promotion of human rights and the protection of freedom of expression.

On the first day, experts gave presentations on relations between media and youth, as well as on Morocco's sustainable energy transition strategy.

The agenda of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health, and Sustainable Development includes the ratification of the draft minutes of the preceding meetings held in Strasbourg and the determination of the time and place for the next sessions.

The participants will also discuss some questions: “Safeguarding democracy, rights and the environment in international trade,” “Public health emergency: the need for a holistic approach to multilateralism and health care,” “Sustainable energy transition,” “Right to housing,” and other themes inscribed in the agenda.

On the other hand, the meeting of the Network of Contact Parliamentarians for a Healthy Environment will feature the presentation of the Moroccan experience in access to potable water and the exchange of views on clean energies and the Kingdom's evolution in this area. The gathering will also feature interactive workshops at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir.