Boosting youth entrepreneurship with tailored funding solutions
The three-day Morocco-Gulf Youth Empowerment Forum concluded in Casablanca with a call to ramp up financial and institutional support for innovative youth-led initiatives, particularly in green, blue, and digital sectors.
The event, jointly organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat General, brought together over 100 young entrepreneurs, policy experts, institutional leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders from Morocco and GCC member states.
Empowering youth as a driver for sustainable growth
In his closing remarks, Professor Ahmed Aboukrim, Chair of the Forum’s Scientific Committee, highlighted how youth economic and social empowerment has emerged as a critical pillar for addressing economic shifts, technological disruption, and climate challenges while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Discussions underscored the need for holistic strategies that integrate education, skill-building, employability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and finance—all centered on strengthening human capital to enhance national economic competitiveness.
Four high-potential sectors take center stage
Workshop sessions zeroed in on four key industries poised to unlock youth economic potential:
- Green economy – sustainable business models and circular economy practices
- Digital transformation – artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital entrepreneurship
- Renewable energy – solar, wind, and green hydrogen initiatives
- Blue economy – water resource management and marine innovation
Policy recommendations for scalable impact
Forum participants proposed concrete actions, including:
- Establishment of dedicated venture funds for youth-led startups in green, blue, and digital domains
- Expansion of joint research and training programs across the region
- Creation of specialized incubators and accelerators
- Development of unified impact metrics to track youth employment, innovation, and sustainability outcomes
They also emphasized how Morocco’s and GCC countries’ complementary strengths—resources, expertise, and investment capacity—create ideal conditions for a regional innovation and knowledge-based cooperation model that prioritizes youth empowerment and sustainable development.
Gulf delegation applauds Morocco’s leadership
Speaking on behalf of the GCC delegation, Salma Khalifa Al Ghafli, Head of the United Arab Emirates delegation, praised the Forum’s seamless organization and Morocco’s warm hospitality, describing the event as a vital platform for sharing best practices and forging strategic partnerships.
She stressed that investing in youth is the most effective investment in a nation’s future, reaffirming the GCC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Morocco to amplify youth-driven economic and social progress across the region.
A tribute to shared commitment
The closing ceremony honored GCC delegation leaders and diplomatic representatives for their pivotal role in ensuring the Forum’s success and for their dedication to fostering stronger Morocco-GCC ties in youth development and sustainable growth initiatives.
