Morocco-gcc forum pushes for youth innovation funding in green and digital sectors

Call for tailored financing mechanisms to empower young entrepreneurs

Casablanca hosted the conclusion of the Morocco-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on Youth Economic and Social Empowerment, wrapping up three days of intensive discussions with a renewed push for innovative financing solutions to support youth-led projects, particularly in green, blue, and digital economies.

The event, convened by Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in collaboration with the GCC Secretariat-General, brought together over a hundred participants, including young innovators, institutional leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts from both Morocco and Gulf countries.

Youth empowerment as a catalyst for sustainable growth

Ahmed Aboukrim, Chair of the Forum’s Scientific Committee, highlighted the pivotal role of youth economic and social empowerment in addressing pressing challenges tied to economic shifts, social changes, and technological advancements. He emphasized that achieving sustainable development goals hinges on integrated strategies linking education, employability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and financing—all while prioritizing human capital investment to boost national competitiveness.

The discussions underscored the need for holistic approaches that merge these pillars, ensuring young people are equipped to thrive in evolving economic landscapes.

Four priority sectors for youth-driven economic transformation

The forum’s workshops zeroed in on four key sectors identified as transformative engines for youth economic emancipation:

• Green economy: sustainable business models and circular economy initiatives.
• Artificial intelligence and digital transformation: fostering tech-driven solutions for societal and industrial challenges.
• Renewable energy and green hydrogen: unlocking clean energy potential to meet future demand.
• Blue economy and water resources: sustainable management of marine and aquatic ecosystems.

These sectors were recognized for their potential to create high-impact employment opportunities and drive regional innovation.

Proposals for targeted funding and specialized incubation

The forum’s recommendations called for the establishment of dedicated funds to finance youth-led projects in the identified sectors. Other proposals included:

• Strengthening joint research and training programs between Morocco and GCC nations.
• Developing specialized incubators to nurture startups and scale solutions.
• Adopting unified metrics to measure the impact of these initiatives on youth employment, innovation, and sustainability.

Participants stressed that the complementary strengths of Morocco and GCC countries—ranging from resource endowments to investment capacities—create a fertile ground for a regional innovation-driven cooperation model rooted in knowledge-based economies.

Gulf delegation lauds Morocco’s hosting efforts

Salma Khalifa Al Ghafli, Head of the UAE delegation, praised the high standards of organization and hospitality extended by Morocco during the forum. She noted the deep, fraternal ties between the Kingdom and GCC states, calling the event a prime platform for sharing best practices and forging partnerships that advance youth economic and social empowerment.

“Investing in young people is the most strategic investment a nation can make,” she stated, affirming the UAE’s commitment to collaboration that paves the way for future generations to lead sustainable development.

Closing ceremony honors key contributors

The forum’s closing session featured a tribute to the heads of GCC delegations and diplomatic representatives from participating countries. The gesture recognized their vital role in ensuring the event’s success and reaffirmed their dedication to deepening Morocco-GCC cooperation in youth development and economic progress.