Youth of Fez Address Unemployment Through Open Mic Discussion
In a city rich with history, thought, politics, and student activism, the youth of Fez have taken a bold step by utilizing an open mic platform to engage in direct dialogue about employment and economic integration, which are among the most pressing issues within Moroccan society today. This initiative was organized by the regional working group of the Authenticity and Modernity Party's youth wing, with the support of the active youth coordination in the Fez-Meknes region. The open mic event was held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Manzeh Zlag Hotel in Fez, bringing together nearly 200 young individuals from various districts and communities within the Fez province.
The meeting commenced with a reading of the Opening Surah from the Quran, paying tribute to the victims of a tragic building collapse that occurred in the Ain Naqbi neighborhood of the Jnan Lward district in Fez. Attendees expressed their condolences and solidarity with the victims' families and called for enhanced preventive measures and accountability mechanisms to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
The participants also acknowledged the royal gesture of solidarity and commended the efforts of local authorities, security forces, civil protection units, and health personnel in managing the aftermath of the incident and swiftly aiding those affected. The meeting underscored the Authenticity and Modernity Party's firm stance against exploiting tragedies for narrow political gain, while also highlighting the initiatives and reforms undertaken by the Ministry of National Planning, Urban Development, Housing, and City Policy, led by Ms. Fatima Zahra Mansouri, to tackle issues related to inadequate housing and dangerous buildings, which are long-standing challenges.
In a poignant moment, condolences were extended to Abdelmalek Chahoui, a member of the party's youth organization in Fez, who lost family members in the devastating incident. Professor Mohamed Al-Alami facilitated the proceedings, leading various segments of the event, which formally began with a speech by Dr. Osama Bourkiza, the regional coordinator of active youth.
Dr. Bourkiza stated that the organization’s initiative to host this meeting aligns with their vision to create genuine spaces for discussion and interaction with youth, emphasizing the importance of listening to their concerns and expectations as they represent a crucial driving force for development. He indicated that the topics of employment and economic integration for youth are central issues that are prioritized within the agenda of the Authenticity and Modernity Party's youth organization, recognizing that young people are essential to building a Morocco characterized by competence, social justice, and sustainable development.
He pointed out that the challenges facing youth today necessitate collective mobilization and shared responsibility among various political, institutional, and economic actors, urging a shift away from short-term approaches toward the crafting of realistic and sustainable solutions that meet the aspirations of Moroccan youth. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of training, qualification, and linking education with the job market, as well as fostering entrepreneurial spirit among young people, asserting that the true challenge lies in transforming youthful energies into productive, innovative, and creative forces.
Dr. Bourkiza reiterated that the Authenticity and Modernity Party’s youth organization remains committed to empowering youth and advocating for their issues through field initiatives and communication efforts aimed at enhancing youth participation and strengthening trust in political and institutional frameworks. He also highlighted the importance of registering in electoral rolls as a means to solidify true citizenship values.
The meeting witnessed significant engagement from participating youth, who candidly expressed the various issues and challenges they face in their educational, professional, and social journeys, while simultaneously offering a range of practical proposals aimed at improving the realities of youth and enhancing economic and social integration opportunities. Topics discussed included employment, training, support for self-employment, the issue of unemployment, access to financing, rural migration, and inequitable spatial justice, alongside the challenges associated with the lack of support and mentorship spaces.
Several speakers noted that while today's youth possess the skills and ambition, they require genuine support and practical mechanisms to ensure equal opportunities and open pathways for economic and social integration. They called for the enhancement of vocational training programs linked to labor market needs, the development of support programs for project holders and self-employed individuals, and the facilitation of access to financing and technical assistance.
Other interventions focused on the importance of investing in human capital and caring for youth in marginalized neighborhoods and areas, while also emphasizing the need to strengthen youth presence in local and regional decision-making bodies, underscoring the necessity of establishing accessible spaces dedicated to cultural, social, and economic training and support.
Some speakers addressed the psychological and social challenges faced by many young people due to unemployment and lack of opportunities, emphasizing that employment is not solely an economic issue but also contributes to social stability and the reinforcement of citizenship values and belonging.
Numerous participants expressed pride that this event provided them with a direct platform to voice their expectations and perspectives within a responsible and open political dialogue, far removed from traditional rhetoric, considering the 'OPEN MIC' initiative a distinctive communication experience that reflects a genuine desire to listen to youth and break away from conventional political meeting formats.
Dr. Mohamed Hajira, Chair of the Finance and Governance Oversight Committee in the House of Representatives and regional secretary of the Authenticity and Modernity Party in the Fez-Meknes region, affirmed that youth occupy a pivotal role within the party's societal project as essential actors in the path of development and reform. He noted that the Moroccan state, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has launched various initiatives and major reforms aimed at enhancing employment opportunities and achieving social and spatial justice, urging youth to engage positively and benefit from the various programs and initiatives available.
Hajira emphasized that employment cannot be limited to the public sector, advocating for the encouragement of investment and the stimulation of entrepreneurship and free initiative while ensuring an economic environment capable of creating job opportunities and achieving local development. He responded to various youth interventions, stressing the importance of listening to their expectations and aspirations and working to convey their concerns to the relevant institutions, asserting that genuine political work is rooted in proximity, listening, and responsible interaction with citizen issues.
Regarding the tragedy of the Ain Naqbi building collapse, he reiterated his condolences to the victims' families, commending the significant efforts made by various authorities and institutions, and underscoring that the Authenticity and Modernity Party approaches such tragedies with a sense of responsibility and solidarity, devoid of any political exploitation.
Khadeeja Hajubi, Vice President of the Fez-Meknes Regional Council and head of the party's regional council, emphasized that youth represent the true wealth of any society, and investing in their capabilities and potential is fundamental for achieving comprehensive development. She highlighted that the Fez-Meknes Regional Council places particular importance on youth, employment, and training issues through various programs, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at supporting the economic and social integration of youth, particularly in areas related to vocational training, entrepreneurship, and social and solidarity economy.
Additionally, she stressed the necessity of strengthening trust in youth capabilities and providing them opportunities to participate in local and regional public affairs management, asserting that advanced regionalization cannot achieve its objectives without genuine involvement of youth in various developmental dynamics. Hajubi urged youth to continue their efforts toward education and positive engagement in society, affirming that success is achieved through willpower, hard work, and perseverance, while institutions are obligated to create conducive conditions that empower youth to realize their potential and contribute to the development of their nation.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, characterized by a spirit of responsible dialogue and constructive interaction, with a commitment to continue organizing such communicative initiatives aimed at enhancing youth engagement in public discourse and strengthening communication bridges between political, institutional actors, and youth from various backgrounds, within the context of an ongoing national dynamic that seeks to place youth at the heart of public discussions and territorial and developmental policies.
As reported by pam.ma.
