King Mohammed VI puts young people at the heart of his speech

King Mohammed VI delivered a speech on Friday before the members of both Houses of Parliament on the occasion of the opening of the 1st session of the 3rd legislative year of the 10th legislature.

In his speech, the sovereign highlighted the instructions he has given in connection with «employment, education, vocational training and military service», stressing that these factors are «meant to benefit citizens, especially young people, and to enable them to help serve their country».

Speaking about young people, the King stressed that military service will enhance the sense of belonging to the homeland and will give «access to training which opens up opportunities for the professional and social integration of qualified conscripts who demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment».

He also indicated that all «Moroccan citizens concerned - without exception - are equal, regardless of social background, diploma or education», referring to the new compulsory military service bill.

The importance of vocational training

Moreover, the sovereign spoke about vocational training in his Friday speech, insisting that the latter is «a powerful lever for employment» that can create job opportunities for young people.

«It is necessary to work on creating more bridges and links between vocational training programs and general education courses within a unified, integrated system», he signaled.

The King also stressed that balance between theoretical training and practical and workplace training must be established.

The agricultural sector

For the sovereign, in addition to vocational training, the «agricultural sector can constitute a more dynamic source of employment opportunities and be instrumental in improving living conditions and consolidating stability in rural areas».

The objective is to «establish and consolidate a rural middle class and to make sure it plays a balancing role and serves as a lever for the achievement of economic and social development, just like the middle class does in cities», said the King.

To create job opportunities, the King emphasized the need of «having quality initiatives and global leaders involved in some sectors and professions».

And to conclude his speech, the monarch stressed that «all citizens, without exception, should be given the same chance to serve their country, and all citizens must benefit, on an equal footing, from the country’s resources and from opportunities for growth and advancement».