Marrakech Forum Highlights Need for Economic Collaboration
On June 20, 2026, participants at the fourth session of the Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions convened to emphasize the necessity of establishing a comprehensive and multilateral economic framework. This framework aims to draw practical lessons from various regional agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area and the European Union-Mercosur Agreement. The forum, organized under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and hosted by the Council of Advisors and the Mediterranean Parliament, culminated in a set of recommendations outlined in the final statement.
The forum participants urged the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Center for Artificial Intelligence. This center would serve to harmonize regional digital legislation, enhance cross-border data governance, and mitigate security risks associated with AI technologies. Recognizing the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the participants highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between the OECD's AI Policy Observatory, the Mediterranean Parliament's AI Observatory, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Furthermore, the attendees called upon member states to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors and mobilize appropriate financing mechanisms to develop digital infrastructure powered by renewable energy. They stressed the need for innovative financing solutions to support small and medium-sized enterprises and youth-led startups, particularly in their early stages of growth.
Strengthening Economic Resilience and Food Security
In addition, the forum participants recommended formulating a coordinated framework to explore the establishment of a Mediterranean Development Bank dedicated to financing cross-border projects and transformations. They also advocated for enhancing cooperation with relevant parliamentary bodies in Africa and Latin America, thereby building a broader network of economic collaboration.
Participants expressed their support for creating a Mediterranean Charter for Food Security and Climate Change to coordinate efforts aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector's resilience. This initiative would involve collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other concerned partners. In this context, they urged national parliaments to develop unified legislation for food and agricultural systems that consider climate resilience requirements, encouraging sustainable management of land, water, and coastal areas. These efforts would ultimately contribute to protecting biodiversity and food supply chains from climate and economic shocks.
It is worth noting that the fourth session of the Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum is part of the dynamic initiative launched by the forum since its inception. This initiative seeks to establish a reference economic parliamentary space in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions for dialogue and consultation among parliamentarians, decision-makers, and economic actors concerning shared developmental and economic issues. The sessions addressed vital topics such as economic integration, boosting investment in artificial intelligence, enhancing sustainable job opportunities, and tackling the impacts of climate change on food security and sustainable development.
Additionally, the forum featured a special session focusing on Africa, discussing the “African Continental Free Trade Area and Connecting Euro-African Value Chains: Towards an Integrated Space for Joint Production, Investment, and Economic Resilience,” which included participation from government officials and parliamentarians.
As reported by maghribona24.com.
