Middle income countries 'bear the burden' of the energy transition, Morocco's Energy Minister tells CNBC's @dan_murphy #WEF24 pic.twitter.com/XiJEHirUMq
— CNBC Middle East (@CNBCMiddleEast) January 16, 2024
Benali stressed the significance of the global multilateral system and the need for new approaches to address global challenges such as climate change.
She noted that while middle-income countries like Morocco are expected to shoulder the burden of the global energy transition while simultaneously working on sustainable development plans, there is a need for collaboration among various stakeholders to find solutions.
When asked about Morocco’s policies to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, the minister mentioned the country’s aim to avoid “the middle-income trap” of 3% GDP growth rates. She highlighted the ministry’s focus on crafting strategies, particularly in sustainable development, with input from the population and through new strategic partnerships with allies and partners.
She pointed out that Morocco is an agricultural country that focuses heavily on water management. Noting Morocco’s interest in environmental issues at COP28 in Dubai, which are major challenges for the 21st century, she highlighted the role played by Morocco, which was elected President of the 6th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6), part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the highest authority on environmental matters in the UN system.
She also asserted that sustainability goes beyond just the “green” dimension and encompasses also prohibiting child labor and ensuring human rights, citing Morocco’s recent election to the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council for 2024.