M. Nizar BARAKA, Minister of Equipment and Water, chaired on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Hassania School of Public Works, the opening conference of the EHTP conference series, under the theme: “Establishing Technological Sovereignty and Strengthening Technical Mastery in Morocco,” in the presence of the Governor of the Hay Hassani District, the Director of EHTP, the General Directors, and Central Directors of the Ministry of Equipment and Water, as well as other prominent personalities from the Ministry and EHTP ecosystem.

During his speech, Minister Baraka highlighted the qualitative leap that Morocco has experienced internationally in the technological field, thanks to the policy of construction projects and major reforms. He also emphasized the role of His Majesty the King, may God assist him, in defining the components and dimensions of national sovereignty. Mr. Nizar BARAKA underscored the importance of pooling technical and scientific expertise to accelerate the establishment of technological sovereignty and enhance technical mastery.

The Minister estimated that Morocco faces the challenge of succeeding in preparing stadiums and infrastructure, especially as it is set to host the 2025 Africa Cup and the 2030 World Cup, opening promising horizons for Morocco at all levels. His conference covered various areas of great interest, including water, artificial intelligence and its applications, digital sovereignty, and energy transformation, renewable energy, blue economy, circular economy, green hydrogen, climate change, etc.

In addition to the conference, the Minister also announced the creation of a technological hub, confirming the Ministry’s determination to swiftly establish technological sovereignty through the contribution of all parties: experts, scientific research, engineers, etc.

On his part, Mr. Jaouad BOUTAHAR, Director of EHTP, warmly thanked Minister Baraka for hosting this conference for the benefit of the engineering students of this institution. He emphasized the crucial importance of the chosen theme for the future of our country, especially in the current global context, which is increasingly globalized, digitized, technological, and presenting growing challenges that need to be faced. He stated that technological sovereignty is a major issue that ensures our autonomy and our ability to face the challenges of development.

He also praised the Ministry of Equipment and Water for its very ambitious project of creating the technological hub and for involving the Hassania School of Public Works, aiming to make this school a center of excellence in research and the training of highly skilled engineers capable of putting their knowledge at the service of the economy and society of tomorrow.

This conference marks the launch of the EHTP conference series for the academic year 2023-2024, which aims to be a platform for dialogue, exchange, and opening up of EHTP engineering students to external expertise and experiences, allowing them to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and enrich their understanding.