Mohammed VI Polytechnic University recognized as a "CLIMATE HERO" by the UN

The Official Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (YOUNGO) has officially nominated and recognized the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) as a “Climate Hero” during the United Nations Youth Conference on Climate Change (COY16), the official precursor youth event of the 26 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).

Hicham El Habti, president of the UM6P, stated to Hespress EN, “I am very proud of this international achievement that positions UM6P at the top-tier institutions that fight effectively against climate change and further implement the SDGs concretely.”

“It would not have been possible without the engagement and mobilization of various communities of UM6P, Rhamna region, and local youth-led NGOs”.

The president added that “UM6P being awarded the climate hero nomination at the UN COY16 is a recognition for UM6P community efforts in implementing and advocating for climate action through its operations with the sustainable development department, research projects with UM6P scientific institutions, its students’ initiatives with the sustainable development ambassadors and its startups with StartGate”.

Led by the University’s Sustainable Development Department, the representatives of the university issued a statement, the only statement representing the vision of the Moroccan youth, at COY16 in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, discussing a variety of emerging local, national, and international concerns.

The statement, drafted by the youth representatives of the university and the region of Rhamna following “extensive work and coordination at the local, national and international levels” as stated in the document.

The statement incorporated the group’s visions, requests, and contributions to respond to issues related to six core subjects including climate change, clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, eco-mobility, social inclusion, and gender equality.

Houyam Hakmi, Ph.D. student at the School of Governance and Economic and Social Sciences of UM6P, youth representative of UM6P at the UN COY16 and elected UM6P sustainable development ambassador of 2020/21, stated to Hespress EN that “everyone was fascinated by the quality of our recommendations,” adding that “Our recommendations are achievable, and everyone should take action in this fight”.

Gathered as the COY16 Youth Consultative Committee in three sessions to discuss the themes mentioned above, the representative group was of high diversity and inclusion, the result of the contributions of youngsters of different backgrounds including different nationalities, ethnicities, races, religions, genders and with the participation of individuals with special disabilities.

The recognition is also the result of the university’s commitment to advocate for climate action, mainly through reducing its carbon emissions, implementing a “zero waste movement” in the university, and promoting social inclusion.

In this respect, the university is engaged in organizing annual tree planting events and installing an accessible and affordable bicycle park on all its campuses to promote eco-mobility.

Also, the university is committed to putting in place a waste sorting system to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.

The university also aims to engage local cooperatives and promote the participation of young girls and women in the region of Marrakech-Safi.

Hakmi also stated to Hespress EN, “To begin with, UM6P aspires to become a space for experimentation aimed at improving the quality of life of present and future generations”.

“As a representer of the youth and ambassador of the University in COY16, I recognize that the fight against climate change is taking place within the campus to engage the maximum of students.”

“Whether you look left or right, you will notice that there is waste management.”

“There is separation and recycling of waste, there is green transport inside the university, and many opportunities to support the student. That is why today at the UM6P, there are 32 ongoing sustainable projects and 11 sustainable development-focused programs.”

The Ph.D. student also discussed with Hespress EN the focus of courses around the thematic of climate change, saying that “We had courses around the theme of sustainable development.”

“For instance, there was this exciting course entitled Climate Challenges in Africa, as it is the case for several others in which climate change is at the core of discussions and debates”.

As such, UM6P is one of only two institutions globally to have been recognized as a Climate Hero. Hicham El Habti, president of the university, also stated to Hespress EN that “UM6P is more engaged than ever in tackling climate mitigation through strategic projects with an inclusive and environment-friendly roadmap to ensure the advancement of the Agenda 2030.”

“In addition to that, UM6P is the first and the unique African university and the youngest worldwide to get the STARS Accreditation in 2020 (Sustainability tracking assessment & Rating system) by the international association to advance sustainability in higher education AASHE.”