The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) convened its 160th ordinary session of the General Assembly on Thursday, July 25, chaired by Mr. Ahmed Réda Chami, the Council President.
The assembly featured the participation of Mr. Otmane Gair, President of the National Observatory of Human Development and a member of the Council, who presented the key findings from the field study conducted by the Council on the “Pioneer Schools” program, as stated in a press release from CESE received by MAP on Saturday.
During this session, Mr. Gair shared the conclusions of the study, which was commissioned by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports. The study focused on the perceptions of stakeholders from a sample of public primary education establishments involved in the “Pioneer Schools” program during its trial phase in the 2023-2024 school year.
The analysis of participants’ responses indicated that the majority believe the “Pioneer Schools” program represents an educational success. They consider it essential to build upon its initial positive outcomes and consolidate its achievements as a collective effort to enhance public education in the coming years, as noted by Mr. Gair.
The agenda for this session also included the approval of the draft Council opinion on “The Nexus in water-energy-food-environment systems: Towards a more efficient management of natural resources, enhanced synergies, and minimized intersectoral risks.”
This opinion seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the interrelationship among these sectors in Morocco by evaluating their current conditions, assessing the integration level of their governance systems, and identifying challenges and opportunities associated with adopting a connected approach. The objective is to formulate recommendations to achieve equilibrium and foster cooperation, convergence, and integration among public policies to address present and future challenges related to human security, sustainability, and resilience.
Additionally, the EESC introduced its internal communication Intranet digital platform during this session to familiarize Council members with the various services and capabilities it offers for sharing information and resources, thereby improving internal communication and collaboration, according to the press release.
The 160th Ordinary Session of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE)
The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) convened its 160th ordinary session of the General Assembly on Thursday, July 25, under the leadership of Mr. Ahmed Réda Chami, the President of the Council. This session marked a critical point for various socio-economic discussions that affect Morocco’s future.
Field Study Presentation on the “Pioneer Schools” Program
One of the highlights of this assembly was the presentation by Mr. Otmane Gair, the President of the National Observatory of Human Development and a member of the Council. He unveiled the findings from a field study commissioned by CESE on the “Pioneer Schools” program, a major initiative in the Moroccan educational landscape.
This comprehensive study, undertaken at the request of the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, focuses on public primary educational establishments participating in the trial phase of the “Pioneer Schools” program for the 2023-2024 school year. It assesses the perception of stakeholders involved, offering insights into the program’s efficacy and areas for improvement.
Key Findings
- The majority of participants view the “Pioneer Schools” program as a significant educational achievement.
- There is a widespread consensus on the importance of enhancing its initial positive results.
- Stakeholders agree that collective efforts are crucial for promoting public education in Morocco.
Mr. Gair emphasized that these findings should inform future policies aimed at bolstering the public education sector, highlighting the necessity for collaborative efforts across various stakeholders.
Agenda Overview for the CESE Session
In addition to discussing the “Pioneer Schools” program, the session featured the approval of a draft Council opinion focusing on interconnected resources management. This opinion titled “Nexus in water-energy-food-environment systems: For a more efficient management of natural resources, a strengthening of synergies and a minimisation of intersectoral risks” aims to analyze the current state of various vital sectors in Morocco.
Objectives of the Draft Council Opinion
- Analyze the interconnection of water, energy, food, and environmental systems.
- Assess the integration and convergence levels of governance systems across these sectors.
- Identify challenges and opportunities in adopting interconnected management approaches.
- Develop actionable recommendations to enhance cooperation among public policies.
The Importance of Interconnected Systems
Understanding the linkages between different sectors is essential for fostering sustainability, resilience, and human security in Morocco. The CESE’s emphasis on these interconnections indicates a strategic direction in policymaking aimed at addressing both current and emerging challenges.
Benefits of an Interconnected Approach
- Increased efficiency in resource management.
- Reduction of risks among sectors, leading to improved stability.
- Greater alignment of public policies with sustainable development goals.
- Enhanced cooperation can promote innovative solutions to complex problems.
Presentation of the CESE Intranet Digital Platform
An additional focal point of the session was the introduction of the CESE’s new internal communication platform. This digital initiative aims to streamline information sharing and improve internal collaboration among Council members, fostering a more integrated working environment.
Features of the New Intranet Platform
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| User-Friendly Interface | Easy navigation for Council members to access resources. |
| Information Sharing | Facilitates sharing of documents and research findings among members. |
| Collaboration Tools | Integrates tools for project management and real-time communication. |
| Resource Access | Members can access a central repository of relevant research and policy documents. |
The Role of CESE in Moroccan Society
As an essential advisory body, CESE plays a pivotal role in shaping Morocco’s socio-economic policies. Its recommendations can influence governmental priorities and programs, particularly in critical areas such as education and sustainable resource management. The Council’s focus on both immediate educational initiatives and long-term resource strategies underscores its commitment to improving public welfare in Morocco.
Firsthand Experience: Testimonials from Stakeholders
Stakeholders participating in the “Pioneer Schools” program have shared positive experiences reflecting the initiative’s impact:
“The Pioneer Schools program has transformed our teaching methods, infusing innovation and creativity into classrooms.”
“The collaboration between various sectors in the CESE discussions highlights an inclusive approach to problem-solving in education.”
Future Directions for Policy Making
The outcomes from the 160th CESE session suggest a promising direction for the future, insisting on a comprehensive approach toward public education and critical resource management. By prioritizing collaboration and integration across sectors, Morocco can enhance its resilience and sustainability in facing impending challenges.
