Fes to be the Capital of Civil Society in 2026
In a significant announcement, the International Organization for Civil Society in Values of Citizenship, Development, and Dialogue (ICSO) has declared Fes as the Capital of Moroccan Civil Society for the year 2026. This decision was made in collaboration with the Fes Saïs Association for Cultural, Social, and Economic Development. According to a joint statement from the organization and the association, this initiative represents an innovative national project aimed at recognizing cities that exhibit exemplary civil society frameworks, characterized by innovation and proactive initiatives that contribute to local development and enhance cultural, economic, and social engagement.
Criteria for Selection and Future Events
The selection of Fes was based on several objective criteria, including the strength of its civil society fabric, the diversity of its initiatives, and its rich history of collaborative efforts. Furthermore, Fes is recognized for its vibrant civic and creative thought, closely tied to Morocco's national and spiritual values under the leadership of the Commander of the Faithful. The program for this prestigious event will feature scientific seminars, innovation exhibitions, and forums for dialogue among civil society actors and public and private institutions. It's noteworthy that in previous years, this title has been awarded to several Moroccan cities known for their civil engagement, including Oujda (2018), Taroudant (2019), Tetouan (2022), Salé (2023), and Laâyoune (2025).
As reported by inews.ma.