Brahim Fassi Fihri: "Sovereignty is the soul of every nation"

The 16th MEDays International Forum opened in Tangier from November 27 to 30, 2024, bringing together decision-makers, intellectuals, and experts to discuss major global issues under the theme: "Sovereignties and Resiliences: Toward a New Global Balance." Organized by the Amadeus Institute and chaired by Brahim Fassi Fihri, the event highlighted two fundamental values: sovereignty and resilience, which are crucial for nations in an era of multidimensional crises.

In his opening speech, Brahim Fassi Fihri emphasized the importance of nations' autonomy in the face of global uncertainties.
Sovereignty is not merely a matter of borders; it is the ability of each nation to decide for itself, to build its future without depending on the will of others. It is the very soul of nations, an inalienable right to chart their own course, he stated, stressing the need for countries to reclaim their destiny in a changing world.

He also highlighted Tangier's role as the host city, symbolizing dialogue between cultures and civilizations:
"Tangier, a gateway to the South and a bridge between worlds, brings us together not only to understand today's challenges but to attempt to address them collectively. It is no coincidence that we are here. Tangier is a place where streams of thought converge, visions are shared, and dialogues between the South and the North have been sketched out for centuries."

The Moroccan Sahara took center stage in the discussions, presented as a model of resilience and development under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Brahim Fassi Fihri underscored that this region has become a strategic pillar through structural projects such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port and free trade zones.
"The Moroccan Sahara is not just a symbol of sovereignty; it is the driving force behind an ambition shared by many African countries: turning challenges into opportunities, building a future where development and unity prevail."

This speech also highlighted resilience, defined as the capacity to overcome crises and learn from them to move forward:
"Resilience is the courage to rise again, to reinvent oneself, to find in adversity the seeds of rebirth. It is the key to transforming an era marked by polycrises into a future full of hope and opportunity."

Hosted for the first time at the Palais des Arts et de la Culture in Tangier, the MEDays Forum benefited from a majestic setting, reflecting Morocco's cultural and intellectual ambition. Brahim Fassi Fihri praised this venue as a "living embodiment of Moroccan progressiveness, where modernity and history intersect to enrich discussions on global issues."

Through enriching discussions, the Forum emphasized collective intelligence as a solution to contemporary challenges.
"We must learn to build bridges in a fragmented world, unite our strengths, and transform our differences into levers for cooperation," Fassi Fihri declared, calling for sincere collaboration between the South and the North to establish a new global balance.

The MEDays Forum continues to establish itself as a key platform for South-North dialogues, offering a stage for innovative and inclusive solutions. Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this event illustrates Morocco's growing role in building a resilient and sovereign future for Southern nations.