Strengthening Economic Resilience Through Public-Private Partnerships
In a notable address at the fourth Marrakech Economic Parliamentary Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region, Senator Suhair Al-Ali, who serves as the assistant to the president of the Senate and the vice president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), underscored the pressing need for enhanced public-private partnerships in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions. This significant gathering, which took place in Morocco, attracted over 450 participants and was organized by PAM in collaboration with the Moroccan House of Councilors, marking a historic partnership with the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Senator Al-Ali highlighted the forum's critical role as a regional platform dedicated to fostering legislative dialogue around pivotal issues such as economic growth, energy security, trade integration, and sustainable development. She pointed out that recent geopolitical shifts are reshaping global economic landscapes, presenting new challenges and pressures across various regions. The senator noted that political tensions are significantly affecting global economic stability and that rapid advancements in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), are simultaneously creating both opportunities and risks for contemporary societies.
Empowering Youth and Women for Sustainable Development
Al-Ali emphasized the importance of institutional alignment and cooperation among governments, parliaments, and the private sector, characterizing the forum as an essential vehicle for addressing economic and trade challenges. She articulated that these collaborations are vital for fostering growth, enhancing decision-making inclusivity, and ultimately driving economic progress. Furthermore, she called for increased youth engagement and the socioeconomic empowerment of women throughout the region, recognizing their crucial roles in achieving sustainable development.
During the forum, Al-Ali chaired a pivotal panel discussion titled “Promoting Investment in Artificial Intelligence and Establishing a Regional AI Hub in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region,” featuring insights from representatives of the World Bank Group and the United Nations, along with experts from the digital technology sector and executives from leading tech companies. In parallel with the main event, she engaged in discussions with various parliamentary leaders and members from PAM member states, as well as heads of senates and national assemblies from across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Additionally, meetings were held with representatives from international financial institutions, UN agencies, academia, and the private sector, further reinforcing the forum's mission of fostering regional cooperation.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean comprises 37 member states from the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, alongside partner nations, including the United States, and is dedicated to promoting political, economic, and social collaboration among its members to tackle shared regional challenges and foster peace and prosperity. As reported by fananews.com.
