The Diplomatic Foundation organized the 3rd iteration of the Public Diplomacy Awards, a celebration which took place in Rabat on Tuesday to pay tribute to national talents and foreign personalities who have contributed to Morocco’s international reputation and the strengthening of the Kingdom’s amicable relations with other countries.
Attendees included individuals from the political, economic, cultural, and media sectors.
Nine distinctions were awarded to non-government-related nominees in recognition of their efforts to enhance the Kingdom’s stature on the African continent and beyond, and in promoting national identity, each in their respective field of expertise.
President of the Diplomatic Foundation, Abdelati Habek, stated that the Public Diplomacy Awards aim to “…highlight the efforts of several non-governmental and civilian actors who, through their actions, have contributed to enhancing Morocco’s reputation and showcasing its potential internationally through serious, courageous, and voluntary initiatives.”
Habek emphasized that public diplomacy complements official diplomatic work, noting that the evolution of diplomatic action paves the way for parallel diplomacy through contributions from economic, intellectual, and media innovators to elevate the Kingdom to a leading position in multiple spheres of influence.
Secretary-General of the Council for the Moroccan Community Abroad, Abdellah Boussouf, was awarded the Culture Prize.
Boussouf asserted that Moroccan culture is among the richest, most diverse, and unique due to its religious and cultural plurality as enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution.
He added that this award represents both an honor and a commitment to continue efforts in defense of Moroccan culture, which remains rich in its humanitarian ideals, in its moderation, and in its tolerance.
Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, and Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union, Taïeb Baccouche, together secured the International Prize.
Head of the Bank of Africa Group, Othman Benjelloun, was honored with the Economic/Financial top spot, while the Human Rights category was notched by Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH).
National team coach Walid Regragui garnered top recognition in Sports, while neuroscience professor Abdelhamid Benazzouz took the Science category.
The Industry Prize was awarded to Nassim Belkhayat, CEO and founder of New Motors, and the Media and Social Communication award was bestowed upon the director of the “MDM 13” website in Spain, Abdelkader Maghnass.