His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message to participants attending the 8th World Congress of United Cities and Local Governments, held under Royal Patronage in Tangier from June 22 to 25, 2026, under the theme: “A New Generation of Inclusive Local Public Services.”
The royal message, read by Abdelouafi Laftit during the opening session, emphasized the growing importance of cities and local governments in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development worldwide.
King Mohammed VI highlighted Morocco’s advanced regionalization strategy, describing it as a key pillar of state modernization, local democracy, territorial equity, and citizen-centered governance.
The King also underlined the importance of integrated territorial development programs designed to respond more effectively to citizens’ needs through consultation, accountability, performance evaluation, and efficient resource management.
Addressing global challenges such as climate change, demographic pressures, migration, and social inequalities, the Sovereign stressed that local and regional authorities play a decisive role in implementing public policies in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, water management, transport, and employment.
The message further reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to South-South cooperation through major African initiatives, including facilitating Atlantic Ocean access for Sahel countries, the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, and the Atlantic African States Initiative.
In conclusion, King Mohammed VI called on participants to develop practical recommendations for a new model of territorial governance based on proximity, equity, sustainability, and efficiency, enabling local authorities to better serve citizens and support inclusive development.