At the recent International Forum of Young Socialist and Social Democrats in Marrakech, Latin American parliamentarians voiced strong support for Africa, emphasizing collaboration with Morocco to combat injustice and promote peace and security. This sentiment underscores Morocco’s pivotal role in shaping regional geopolitics and fostering international partnerships for the betterment of its African neighbors.

Morocco’s geopolitical Influence in Africa’s Rise

Gustavo Adolfo Pacheco Villar, former president of the Andean Parliament, lauded Africa’s recent growth and development, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of many African nations towards lasting development despite external pressures. He highlighted morocco’s unique position as a bridge between Africa and Europe, further strengthened by its Atlantic coast, which facilitates connections with Latin america.

Villar emphasized Africa’s potential as a crucial link in global supply chains, driven by its abundant resources and expanding consumer market.He sees Morocco playing a vital role in unlocking this potential. This outlook aligns with recent data indicating a surge in intra-African trade, which the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) estimates could increase by 33% following the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Morocco is not only the link between Africa and Europe, but it also maintains, thanks to its Atlantic facade, fruitful links with Latin America.

Gustavo Adolfo Pacheco Villar, former president of the Andean parliament

Furthermore, Villar pointed to Morocco’s positive response to Spain’s energy crisis as evidence of the Kingdom’s growing global influence. The co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup with spain and Portugal is anticipated to further solidify these connections, showcasing Morocco’s strategic importance and diplomatic capabilities, particularly in its relationship with the European Union.

Youth Engagement in South-South Cooperation and Parliamentary Diplomacy

Morocco’s emergence as a global hub for parliamentary diplomacy was also highlighted, with praise for its commitment to African development through South-south cooperation. Villar urged young people to actively engage in politics, emphasizing their role as agents of change in addressing violence and injustice.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by today’s youth, including migration driven by various factors and the rise of artificial intelligence. Villar cautioned against overreliance on AI,advocating for the prioritization of natural intelligence and human rights.

Young people are not the future, they are the present and must take the reins of politics rather of being simple numbers, in order to lead their lives.

Gustavo Adolfo Pacheco Villar, former president of the Andean Parliament

Development Before Hegemony: A Pragmatic Approach

Villar stressed the need for unity and convergence, advocating for a pragmatic approach to politics focused on the common good. He described politics as a blend of science and art, requiring research, investigation, and an awareness of the potential personal costs involved.

Waldemar Cerrón Rojas, vice-president of the Peruvian parliament, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing national development over the pursuit of hegemony. He contrasted countries focused on development, such as China, with those prioritizing dominance, arguing that hegemony fosters exploitation and inequality.

Cerrón rojas concluded by advocating for the construction of a solidarity-based intercultural community, rejecting the principles of hegemony in favor of equitable and just global relations.

Hegemony does not allow us to grow, because there will always be one that will be in the lead and who wants others to stay behind. Hegemony is based on exploitation, injustice, inequality, and we do not want our country and humanity to be thus. We want to build a solidarity intercultural community.

Waldemar Cerrón Rojas, Vice-president of the Peruvian Parliament