All 12 regions of Morocco, supported by FMDV & the Association of Regions of Morocco (ARM), have signed the Global Climate Leadership Memorandum of Understanding and committed to joining the Under2 Coalition, making all of Morocco and its 37.7 million inhabitants the new global champions for a net zero future.
Following the leadership of the Association of Regions of Morocco (ARM), which signed the MoU in September 2022 at the Under2 Coalition’s General Assembly during Climate Week NYC, today all 12 regions of Morocco individually committed to reduce their emissions to net zero by 2050 or earlier in signing ceremony at COP27.
This first-ever “whole-of-country” commitment is an unprecedented milestone in bridging the multilevel action and collaboration gaps, and in showcasing the transformative power of joint commitment at domestic level by states and regions.
This was made possible thanks to the national program “SISTIF – Climate Action for Cities and Regions”, launched in 2021 by FMDV joining forces with ARM, the Association of Moroccan Mayors (AMPCC), and the Directorate General for Subnational Governments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. SISTIF catalyzes an institutional, strategic, technical, and financial multilevel action agenda to support local and regional governments on the climate chapter of their sustainable planning, financing, and implementation.
This new commitment increases the Under2 Coalition’s African presence and will give Moroccan regions a boost in their wide-ranging work on addressing the climate emergency. Indeed, after finalising their regional development plans (RDPs) in 2023, Moroccan Regions will establish a pipeline of sustainable projects resulting from their strategic planning tool and integrating the climate lens with local policies.
In joining the Under2 Coalition, Moroccan regions will now have access to the most up-to-date knowledge and leading community of peer states and regions to cut emissions at a subnational level. They will also become part of an increasingly influential group that is pushing for greater action and accountability on climate at the national and international level.
This will ensure that all regional development plans align with Morocco’s NDC and, more importantly, go beyond to enhance the country’s ambition overall and accelerate its implementation.
The Under2 Coalition Secretariat – Climate Group -, FMDV and ARM are resolutely committed to supporting the Moroccan Regions’ transition to net-zero.
The signing ceremony took place in the margins of COP27 in Egypt on 16 November, and was led by several Presidents of Moroccan Regions:
- Mr Abdellatif Mazouz President of the Casablanca-Settat Region,
- Mr Omar Moro, President of Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma Region,
- Mr Hro Abrou, President of Draa Tafilalet Region
Ms Mbarka Bouaida, President of the Guelmim-Oued Noun and President of ARM, present at COP27 during its first week, signed the MoU for her region on the 10th of November, in the presence of Ms Jebi Rahman, Head of Transparency and Pathways at Climate Group.
Although not physically at COP27, the Presidents of the remaining 8 Moroccan Regions diligently ensured their respective signed MoUs were presented at the ceremony.
Mr Mike Peirce, Executive Director of Systems Change at the Climate Group, and Mr Carlos de Freitas, Co-Director of FMDV – Global Fund for Cities Development - were present today to congratulate the new members, together with Mrs Màiri McAllan, Minister of Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform at the Scottish Government and European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition.
In signing the Under2 MoU, all 12 Moroccan regions have made a global and leading commitment to achieve net-zero. This has made the Under2 Coalition in Africa even stronger and primed it for greater leadership to push climate action globally. It is only fitting that the regions of Morocco are leading in this way, given that the Marrakech Partnership highlighting non-party stakeholder action, of which the Under2 Coalition is a part, was born in Morocco during COP22.
In signing the Under2 MoU, all 12 Moroccan regions have made a global and leading commitment to achieve net-zero. This has made the Under2 Coalition in Africa even stronger and primed it for greater leadership to push climate action globally. It is only fitting that the regions of Morocco are leading in this way, given that the Marrakech Partnership highlighting non-party stakeholder action, of which the Under2 Coalition is a part, was born in Morocco during COP22.
We are entering in a new era of multilevel action and collaboration. By signing all together Under2Coalition’s MoU, thanks to FMDV, ARM and SISTIF’s facilitation, the 12 Moroccan Regions are sending a message globally: local and regional governments are the first partners of central governments in designing and implementing net-zero public policies and their financing. In times of climate emergency, they are telling national authorities: we have your back and we walk the talk!
We are entering in a new era of multilevel action and collaboration. By signing all together Under2Coalition’s MoU, thanks to FMDV, ARM and SISTIF’s facilitation, the 12 Moroccan Regions are sending a message globally: local and regional governments are the first partners of central governments in designing and implementing net-zero public policies and their financing. In times of climate emergency, they are telling national authorities: we have your back and we walk the talk!
Morocco and its regions are once again making history. In addition to the national Climate ambition, already recognized for its international commitment, the Presidents of our Regions also wished to commit themselves resolutely to the transition of the Moroccan territory. Joining the Under2 Coalition will be an opportunity for us to learn from our peers and innovate together.
The Association of Moroccan Regions is a powerful tool for convergence and mutual reinforcement.
We demonstrate once again that together, we go further, and not necessarily slower, on the contrary.
Morocco and its regions are once again making history. In addition to the national Climate ambition, already recognized for its international commitment, the Presidents of our Regions also wished to commit themselves resolutely to the transition of the Moroccan territory. Joining the Under2 Coalition will be an opportunity for us to learn from our peers and innovate together.
The Association of Moroccan Regions is a powerful tool for convergence and mutual reinforcement.
We demonstrate once again that together, we go further, and not necessarily slower, on the contrary.
Subnational states and regions, and countries like Scotland, are on the front line of the climate crisis, and we continue to lead the charge in terms of climate ambition and action. The Under2 Coalition is committed to collectively reaching net zero by 2050 and individually as soon as is feasible.
During our time as European Co-Chair, the Scottish Government has been particularly keen to build stronger ties with other subnational states and regions around the globe while we continue to grow the Coalition. I am delighted that the states of Morocco have decided join us, to add to this strength and to share with us their experiences so that we may continue on our journey to net zero together.
Subnational states and regions, and countries like Scotland, are on the front line of the climate crisis, and we continue to lead the charge in terms of climate ambition and action. The Under2 Coalition is committed to collectively reaching net zero by 2050 and individually as soon as is feasible.
During our time as European Co-Chair, the Scottish Government has been particularly keen to build stronger ties with other subnational states and regions around the globe while we continue to grow the Coalition. I am delighted that the states of Morocco have decided join us, to add to this strength and to share with us their experiences so that we may continue on our journey to net zero together.
Notes to editors
Moroccan regions:
- Beni Mellal-Khénifra
- Casablanca-Settat
- Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Fès-Meknès
- Guelmim-Oued Noun
- L'Oriental
- Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra
- Marrakech-Safi
- Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
- Souss-Massa
- Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima
FMDV – Global Fund for Cities Development
FMDV is the unique Local and Regional Governments’ international network dedicated to designing financing and investment solutions for sustainable, just, and resilient urban development.
FMDV supports cities and regions, as well as central governments and development partners in designing multilevel and multistakeholder urban development financing pathways, and in implementing innovative financing solutions aligned with the global agendas: particularly the SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Paris Agreement Agenda.
FMDV has worked with over 1,500 local governments from 100 countries, 150 Public Development Banks, 250 companies and investors, and has contributed to mobilize more than US$1 billion for urban development financing.
www.fmdv.net – www.FinanceYourCities.org
ARM- Association of Regions of Morocco
ARM aims to contribute to the success of “advanced regionalization” (i.e. Moroccan decentralization process). It ensures that Regions become a major player in implementing the sustainable and net-zero development agendas for the benefit of the population and regional economies.
ARM is the voice of the regions and delivers position papers and proposals on matters related to the decentralization and its effective implementation.
ARM also acts as a “think tank”, for training, capacity building and assistance to reginal governments.
The 12 Regions of Morocco are all part of the network; they cooperate at the domestic level and partner with their peers globally, and more specifically in Africa.