Jihane El Khattabi: Participatory democracy key to Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima development

Dr.
Jihane El Khattabi, vice-president of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, stated that participatory democracy has become a key pillar for achieving fair and sustainable territorial development that places people at the heart of public policies.
This was during her speech at the opening of the second edition of the Hope Forum for Democracy, Political Participation, and Human Rights in Al Hoceima.
She explained that the forum is a space for dialogue and exchange of experiences, in line with major reform projects, especially advanced regionalization and good governance.
She considered that the 2011 Constitution laid the foundations of participatory democracy and gave territorial communities central roles.
She affirmed that the regional council prioritizes listening to citizens and transparency, and invests in human capital, support for civil society, and partnerships with universities.
She stressed that true development is measured by its ability to preserve human dignity and achieve territorial justice.
She also highlighted the importance of political participation of women and youth, digital transformation, and the social and solidarity economy to support cooperatives in rural areas.
She noted that the province of Al Hoceima has assets that qualify it to be a national model of sustainable development, calling for the integration of efforts of all stakeholders.