In the premises of Majal Berkane for Innovation and Territorial Intelligence, the first citizen workshop on citizen participation took place, facilitated by experts from the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council in the presence of Mr. Ahmed Reda CHAMI, president of the council, Mr. Mohamed Ali HABOUHA, Governor of the Province of Berkane, Mr. Mohammed JELLOUL, President of the Provincial Council, as well as representatives of local authorities from various municipalities.
The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council is an independent constitutional institution tasked with advisory missions. It issues opinions, suggestions, and recommendations on major development options, public policies in economic, social, and environmental areas, as well as on the general orientations of the national economy and sustainable development.
In addition to its advisory role, the Council addresses numerous crucial issues for the future of our country or important social issues for young people to ensure the effectiveness of rights and to enhance public debates on decision-making and the promotion of a culture of dialogue and modern values.
In line with these orientations and missions, the council has chosen the Berkane territory as a privileged location to create constructive dialogue with the province's stakeholders through the organization of the 1st citizen workshop on the theme of citizen participation. More than 80 associations operating in the fields of environment, digital transition, education, cooperatives, and young project leaders, all responded to the organizers' invitation with the aim of presenting their aspirations and suggestions based on a thorough understanding of the specificities of the field and the domain they represent.
A fruitful exchange took place among the various involved and participating parties in this event, demonstrating both the richness and societal commitment of Berkane's associative fabric, and the CESE's mobilization towards this element which holds special importance in construction and development, namely: Civil Society.
Suggestions and discussions primarily focused on strengthening democratic participation tools, connectivity, creating and implementing platforms for people with reduced mobility, establishing a regional and local climate fund... as well as an interesting array of suggestions and aspirations that will serve as an important working basis for the opinion currently being developed by the CESE on "tools for citizen participation: strengthening their appropriation and extending their contributions to public decision-making."
