14-16 December 2023, Naples, Italy – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) hosted a three-day training session, entitled “The Challenges of the 21st Century”, for the Directors of the Groups of the Chamber of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, at the PAM Regional Office in Naples. The delegation was headed by H.E. Mr. El Assad El Zerouali, Secretary General of the Chamber of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The series of closed-door seminars aimed at providing a comprehensive and detailed review, and debate, about the current international order, placing particular emphasis on both security and economic challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions.
Ten international experts, invited from a wide array of organizations and sectors, provided valuable insights on strategic issues, including their potential repercussions on Morocco’s security and economy, and answered questions from the delegation.
PAM President and President of the Chamber of Councillors of Morocco, H.E. Enaam Mayara, opened the event.
The speakers, in their order of attendance, were:
- Mr. Giovanni Romani and Mr. Giovanni Parigi, respectively Head and analyst from the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division of NATO.
- H.E. Ambassador Daniele Verga, Vice President of the National Association of Former Italian Diplomats.
- Hon. Gennaro Migliore, PAM President Emeritus, and Director of Centre for Global Studies.
- Professor Silvana Bartoletto, Department of Economics and Law at the Parthenope University of Naples.
- Professor Salvatore Capasso, Director of the Institute of Studies on Mediterranean Societies at the Parthenope University of Naples.
- Mr. Massimo Deandreis, Director General of the SRM Research Center for Economic Studies at the Intesa SanPaolo Group.
- Mr. Alexandre Hamard, Analyst at NATO Strategic Direction-South HUB.
- Ms. Maria Pia Rossignaud, Director of Media Duemila, and Vice-President of Observatory TuttiMedia.
- Mr. Derrick de Kerckhove, Sociologist, and Scientific Director of Media Duemila.
Among other themes, discussions focused on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in responding to threats and opportunities from emerging technologies; inter-faith dialogue in Europe; global security and the management of risks; the correlation between humanitarian challenges, international security, and sectarian conflict; economic and energy security and transition in the Mediterranean basin; and generative artificial intelligence and its impact on our societies.
The delegation also paid a visit to the historical town of Caserta, with which Morocco maintains inherently cultural ties. During their visit, the delegation was welcomed by the Mayor of Caserta, Mr. Carlo Marino, and the city’s Councilor for Culture, Mr. Vincenzo Claudio Battara. The encounter underlined the enduring relationship between the two regions and fostered discussions on the cultural ties between Morocco and Italy.
In accordance with the PAM scope and activities, the Assembly remains at the disposal of its Member States to organize and host similar study tours for senior staff of national parliaments. //