Meeting in Paris Underscores Mohammed VI Polytechnic University's Commitment to Transition in Africa

01 February 2024 Printable Version

Paris - The proactive commitment of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in driving the transition across Africa was highlighted at a recent gathering in Paris initiated by UM6P France. The meeting centered around the theme of the 4th edition of the Science Week, scheduled to take place from February 12 to 18 at UM6P's Benguerir campus, focusing on the multifaceted concept of "Transitions."

UM6P France's Director General, Fahd Benkirane, outlined the scope of the Science Week, which will delve into a wide array of transitions, including material, agricultural, energy, climatic, digital, robotic, economic, financial, civilizational, societal, moral, medical, and biotechnological shifts. The event promises a rich scientific program featuring debates, panels, and exchanges with the participation of esteemed international scientific personalities.

Raphael Liogier, Scientific Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) and holder of the Transitions Chair at UM6P, emphasized the university's role as a pivotal player in the African transition. He highlighted Africa as a fertile ground for solutions that not only address its challenges but also contribute to global problem-solving—a mission ingrained in the founding principles of UM6P.

Liogier noted that Morocco, by its inherent nature, is a nation that takes initiative, showcasing a commitment to actively contribute to resolving local and global challenges. Saâd Tazi, Mission Officer to the President of UM6P in Benguerir, expanded on UM6P's commitment, extending beyond national borders. The university aspires to play an indispensable role in shaping the future generations of Morocco and Africa, with a deeply continental focus on empowering citizens to navigate current issues consciously and proactively.

The Science Week theme, as Tazi observed, naturally aligns with the daily reality marked by the myriad facets of transitions in all dimensions. The event will explore ongoing transitions, including resistances such as the fear of artificial intelligence and lifestyle habit resistance. Additionally, it will address the concept that transitions are not merely evolutions or ruptures but changes in balance, emphasizing the need for humanity to alter its thinking and actions for survival.

The week-long event will also feature performances related to the theme of transitions and the world premiere screening of a documentary film on the cloning revolution by explorer Luc Hardy.

UM6P France, as the first international branch of UM6P, recently launched to act as a bridge between Morocco and Africa and France and Europe. It offers executive education and specific support for researchers and innovative entrepreneurs interested in the development of the African continent.

With its main campus in Benguerir, near Marrakech, and campuses in Rabat and Laâyoune in Morocco, and now in Paris, UM6P is positioned as an avant-garde Moroccan university prioritizing relevant research and innovation for Morocco and Africa, focusing on topics such as industrialization, food security, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, health, and social and economic sciences.