Rabat: HEM forum taps Moroccans of the world for investment and innovation
HEM and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung gathered Moroccans of the world in Rabat to link diaspora skills with investment, research and innovation.
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation
HEM International University and the German Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung brought together Moroccans of the world, business leaders, researchers and institutional figures in Rabat on Thursday, Oct. 29, to explore how the diaspora’s expertise can serve the Kingdom’s development.
The seminar was held at the Hassan hotel under the theme “Moroccans of the world: human capital serving Morocco’s development”. It coincided with the first celebration of Unity Day (Eid Al Wahda), instituted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Organisers presented figures showing that more than five million Moroccans live across the five continents.
Younes Slaoui, chairman of the board of HEM International University, described Moroccans abroad as an exceptional asset for the Kingdom because of their varied skills, experience and international networks. The initiative, he said, aims to strengthen ties between this talent and economic, scientific and institutional players in Morocco and to open new avenues for cooperation.
Bushra Bay or بشرى باي, HEM’s director general, stressed the need for real cooperation between young Moroccans and skilled members of the diaspora, particularly in training, research and innovation. Stephen Hoffner, the foundation’s resident representative for Morocco and Mauritania, said the community acts as a bridge between societies, cultures and opportunities, and called for dialogue between Moroccan and European actors.
A workshop held during the programme focused on mobilising diaspora skills around three linked areas: talent and expertise, entrepreneurship and investment, and innovation, scientific research and international networks.
The programme brought together a number of figures from the diaspora and national institutions who took part in the discussions around these themes.
HEM International University and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung say they intend to build lasting links between Moroccan talent abroad and national institutions, companies and universities beyond the seminar itself.
