Oujda, a Moroccan border city long characterized by centuries of conflict, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being officially recognized as the 468th International City of Peace by the International Cities of Peace (ICP), an organization affiliated with the United Nations that honors communities dedicated to grassroots peacebuilding efforts. This prestigious designation was confirmed by the ICP on March 17, 2026, solidifying Oujda's status among nearly 500 communities around the globe that are actively fostering cultures of peace at the local level.
Home to approximately 506,000 residents and serving as the capital of Morocco’s Oriental region, Oujda has earned this recognition primarily due to the impactful work led by youth in the city over the past two decades. Central to these efforts is the grassroots organization, Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures, which is guided by the Moroccan human rights activist Zakaria El Hamel. This group has tirelessly promoted intercultural dialogue, civic education, and community-based peacebuilding initiatives in a locality grappling with pressing social challenges such as youth unemployment, social inequality, and low levels of civic participation.
El Hamel, who has taken on the role of the city’s liaison to the ICP, views this acknowledgment not as a culmination of efforts but as a motivation to deepen the ongoing work. "Peace is not built in conference rooms alone; it is built in the streets, schools, and hearts of our communities," he stated. He further emphasized Oujda's role as a beacon of hope by sending a powerful message to the world: when young people commit to dialogue, uphold human dignity, and embrace the universal values of human rights, even a border city in Morocco can shine as a symbol of peace for humanity.
Strategically located just 15 kilometers from the Algerian border, Oujda's geographical position has historically rendered it a crossroads of diverse cultures, occasionally acting as a flashpoint for regional tensions. However, the city’s inclusion in the ICP network redefines its frontier identity, transforming it into a model of dialogue-driven stability within North Africa.
The International Cities of Peace collaborates with local leaders, civil society organizations, and youth groups to identify and support communities that have made tangible strides toward peaceful coexistence. Being part of this network provides access to shared resources, facilitates global partnerships, and establishes a framework to sustain peace initiatives over the long term.
As reported by newsghana.com.gh.
