On October the 13th, 2017, King Mohammed VI urged the government to work on a new strategy for the sake of the youth. Ten months later, he addresses the same topic in a royal speech. Young people were at the heart of King Mohammed VI's speech, delivered Monday, 20th of August, which marks the Revolution Day in Morocco. «I have always regarded [young people] as the country's true wealth», declared the Sovereign, tackling issues related to youngsters, especially those unable to find jobs in the country. The King recalled that he had asked Saadeddine El Othmani's cabinet during the State Opening of Parliament, in October the 13th, 2017, to «put young people at the center of the new development model». «I also called for the preparation of an integrated youth strategy and asked that special consideration be given to finding the most effective means to improve young people's circumstances», he stressed. Unfortunately, «despite the major economic projects launched and the social programs being implemented, the results achieved do not measure up to my ambitions in this regard», regretted the sovereign. «It is not right that one in four youths should be unemployed» The King stressed in his speech the need of bringing «concrete» projects to improve the educational system. «Enabling young people to engage in social and professional life is not a favor. Every citizen, whatever his or her social background, is entitled to the same opportunities, to a good education and to a decent job», he argued. Moreover, King Mohammed VI tackled the issue of unemployment in particular stating that «It is not right that one in four youths should be unemployed, despite Morocco's overall economic growth record. The figures are even more disturbing in urban areas». The monarch also pointed at «many young people, especially those with advanced university degrees, are considering leaving the country, not just because of attractive incentives abroad, but also because they do not find the right environment and conditions at home for employment, career advancement, creativity and scientific research». Reviewing vocational training As for the problem of unemployed graduates, the Sovereign has given his instructions to «carry out a thorough review of vocational training programs to align them with the needs of businesses and the public sector, and to make sure they are adapted to changes in industry and trades in general, thereby increasing the chances of graduates to access professional life». The Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development will contribute to the construction and equipping of new vocational training centers, in the light of emerging needs.
