Developmentally Speaking - 16th edition : Digital innovation : A drive for sustainable development in Morocco

Location: Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane

Since 2021, the Policy Center for the New South, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank have launched the initiative “Developmentally Speaking”. This initiative consists of a series of collective reflections on the major challenges of sustainable development, aiming to examine lasting transformations, whether positive or negative, and their impacts on the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The “Developmentally Speaking” debate platform is designed for youth and is organized in collaboration with various partners to address the concerns of young people and the general public. It aims to stimulate a rich debate on the lessons learned from recent crises that have affected progress toward the SDGs.

As part of this initiative, the sixteenth edition of “Developmentally Speaking”, organized in partnership with Al Akhawayn University, will focus on a critical topic: digital innovation as a driver for sustainable development in Morocco. Participants will explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation in promoting and achieving the SDGs, with a particular emphasis on education, inclusive growth, and ethical AI practices.

As the world becomes more interconnected, the convergence of economic development and digital innovation has become a key driver for achieving the SDGs. This edition will highlight themes such as innovation in education to prepare youth for the modern job market, the use of AI for the common good, and the need for digital inclusion to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to essential technologies. By integrating digital technologies into economic frameworks, Morocco can enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and promote sustainable industrialization, thereby strengthening its economic and social development.

By bringing together experts, academics, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector, this edition aims to propose concrete recommendations for leveraging digital innovation to achieve sustainable development. The goal is to promote inclusive and ethical digital transformation, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for Morocco.