Ilaria Carnevali, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Morocco, commended Morocco’s leadership in MENA region at addressing the interconnected challenges of water, energy, food security, and ecosystems (WEFE) during the forum, held in Tangier on Monday, according to the organization’s website.
The forum brought together international experts, policymakers, and local stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world.
Carnevali praised Morocco’s significant strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power investments.
The efforts have reduced the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and positioned Morocco as a regional leader in the energy transition. She highlighted the country’s ambitious desalination projects, which provide a vital response to water scarcity in arid regions.
However, she cautioned that seawater desalination’s high energy demands require sustainable energy solutions to ensure long-term viability.
The UNDP representative also addressed the growing threats of climate change in the region, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and the rising sea level. Carnevali warned that these changes could severely impact water resources, agriculture, and energy systems, urging Morocco to continue adapting its policies to these new realities.
During the forum, the official outlined several recommendations for Morocco to strengthen its WEFE Nexus approach. The recommendations included scaling up renewable energy for desalination, integrating the WEFE Nexus into urban planning, and empowering local communities to manage resources sustainably.
She also called for natural-based solutions to protect ecosystems and enhance biodiversity, as well as stronger public-private partnerships to drive innovation in agriculture, water management, and energy sectors.
The WEFE Nexus Forum served as a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, with Morocco’s progress in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture taking center stage.
Carnevali expressed optimism about the country’s potential to inspire other nations in the MENA region and beyond.
In her closing remarks, Carnevali thanked the organizers, participants, and partners for their contributions to the forum. She underlined the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a more sustainable and resilient future, urging all stakeholders to take bold action to address the pressing challenges of the WEFE Nexus.