Tetouan Hosts “Gaza Edition” of Model UN Conference: Youth Advocates for Peace, Justice, and Solidarity

Tetouan: The city of Tetouan witnessed a remarkable youth event that combined intellectual depth, the power of advocacy, and the spirit of human solidarity. The Tetouan Model United Nations Youth Council organized the ninth edition of the Model UN Conference, held over three days, May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2025, under the central theme: “Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” This youth initiative was described as a “qualitative leap in promoting youth awareness and activating parallel diplomacy.”

In a symbolic decision, the Council chose to name this session the “Gaza Edition,” in a clear expression of the Moroccan youth’s deep-rooted solidarity with the just Palestinian cause and a reaffirmation of their profound commitment to supporting oppressed peoples, especially amidst the escalating violence and violations against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip.

This significant educational and diplomatic platform attracted broad participation, with 150 young men and women representing various Moroccan cities and diverse higher education institutions. The conference activities were hosted in multiple venues across Tetouan, including the House of Lawyers, the Faculties of Law, Economics, and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Sciences, with the active presence of representatives from academic institutions, supporting partner sectors, and dynamic civil society organizations.

In his impactful opening speech, Abdelmajid El Idrissi, the Delegate President of the Tetouan Model United Nations Youth Council, emphasized that this edition of the conference transcends being merely a simulation exercise. Instead, it represents a genuine and effective platform for building a youth awareness committed to national and global issues, capable of engaging with them boldly and with a clear vision. He added that choosing “Gaza Edition” is not just an emotional slogan but a profound educational and ethical stance that reflects the authentic spirit of the rising generation in Morocco.

For his part, Jamal Eddine Benhayoun, the Vice-President of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, praised the high caliber of this pioneering youth initiative in a speech delivered on behalf of the university presidency. He affirmed that the university attaches paramount importance to such projects and places them at the core of its civic education strategy, embodying the noble directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, aimed at preparing a balanced, aware, and responsible young generation capable of positive engagement in the nation’s development.

The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency had a significant presence at the conference, with Ms. Farah Al-Ghussain presenting a valuable intervention highlighting the Agency’s dedicated efforts in defending the Holy City of Jerusalem and supporting the brotherly Palestinian people. Ms. Al-Ghussain commended the remarkable dynamism of Moroccan youth in supporting the Palestinian cause, noting that such purposeful youth gatherings strengthen the bridges of collective awareness and universal human solidarity.

In a deeply moving address, Mr. Montasser Mohammed, the representative of the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Morocco, expressed his profound gratitude for this impactful symbolic tribute paid by the conference to the Palestinian cause. He affirmed that naming the session the “Gaza Edition” is not merely a fleeting symbolic initiative but a sincere expression of a living, pure, and free conscience emanating from the noble youth of Morocco.

The House of Lawyers in Tetouan served as a distinguished venue for the official opening of the conference, where Mr. Afteet, representing the Bar Association of the city, expressed the association’s pride in hosting the first day of the conference activities. He emphasized that the values of justice are inextricably linked to civil advocacy and responsible youth discourse.

The event also benefited from significant institutional support from the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Social Sciences in Tetouan, which opened its doors to host the diverse simulation sessions that formed the core of the conference, alongside the Faculty of Sciences in Tetouan, which hosted the preparatory and qualification workshops that preceded the advocacy phase, aiming to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills.

In this context, Mr. Abdelilah El Wahani, the Secretary-General of the Faculty of Sciences in Tetouan, commended the high dynamism demonstrated by the organizing youth and the Council’s excellent organization of the conference. He affirmed that the Faculty will always remain open to embracing serious initiatives that contribute to building awareness among students and work to refine their skills and capabilities.

Mr. Abdelatif El Fahssi, the Pedagogical Director of the activity, considered that the conference constituted a genuine intellectual and educational school for the participants and restored confidence in the ability of Moroccan youth to produce a conscious and impactful discourse on current issues. He emphasized that the extensive discussions and interactive workshops witnessed during the conference demonstrated a high level of maturity and deep analysis among the youth, making this edition an exceptional milestone by all standards.

The concluding recommendations issued by the conference called for the necessity of enhancing the effective participation of youth in decision-making at various levels, consolidating the culture of peace and justice in society, and providing the necessary support for just humanitarian causes globally, foremost among them the cause of the Palestinian people.

About محمد الفاسي