Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid at HEC Paris: Morocco, Between Rootedness and Global Influence
Morocco: Embracing Modernity While Honoring Tradition
Fueled by its millennia-old history and authentic values, Morocco confidently strides towards modernity and progress under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This assertion was made by Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, during a conference held on Friday evening at HEC Paris, themed "Morocco in Focus: The Mechanics Behind a Global Radiance."
Before a large audience comprised of students, researchers, academics, and members of the Moroccan diaspora, Bensaid highlighted the significant reform and development initiatives underway in the Kingdom, all driven by a progressive royal vision. According to him, these ambitious dynamics position Morocco as an influential player on the international stage.
Bensaid praised the commitment of past generations who fought for the country’s independence and values, emphasizing today’s vital role of young Moroccans, particularly those living abroad, in continuing the Kingdom’s global presence.
Looking ahead to major upcoming sporting events—the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup—the minister underscored the major investment opportunities that are opening up, especially for Moroccans around the world.
He specifically stressed the strategic potential of cultural and creative industries (CCIs), which Morocco aims to develop into an economic pillar and a lever for international influence. These industries encompass a variety of areas such as music, theater, cinema, visual arts, and even video games, where young Moroccan talents are excelling.
A national strategy is currently being implemented to promote the global export of Moroccan culture through festivals, audiovisual productions, exhibitions, and trade shows. The development of the gaming industry is also part of this initiative, providing young Moroccans with a platform to innovate and establish themselves internationally.
The minister additionally highlighted Morocco’s efforts to protect its cultural heritage against foreign appropriation attempts, expressing gratitude for the civic mobilization of Moroccans worldwide, particularly on social media, to defend their cultural legacy.
In an interactive and friendly atmosphere, Bensaid encouraged the attending youth to seize the opportunities offered by Morocco to actively contribute to its development. He also urged their political engagement to safeguard the nation’s democratic gains and to participate in public governance in the future.
