At the Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), a conference was held to discuss the evolving landscape of Morocco’s southern provinces, featuring four experts from Morocco, France, and Mexico. They explained that the region has become a crossroads where development, identity, and international relations interlink.

The experts highlighted that Morocco’s southern provinces should be viewed as a region undergoing simultaneous economic, social, and cultural transformations. The region has changed significantly in recent years, undergoing gradual development thanks to major investments in infrastructure and urban centers, alongside long-term projects in fishing, agriculture, tourism, and water desalination.

The guests also emphasized that this transformation is not only physical; it is also about meaning and identity. The Sahara issue is increasingly discussed in relation to national identity, history, and citizenship, which has helped reshape how the region is understood both inside and outside Morocco.

Another crucial point addressed was the global perception of the region. Some experts noted that in regions like Latin America, many people still rely on outdated or incomplete information regarding the Sahara. Consequently, they stressed the need for increased academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and research to foster a more accurate international understanding.

In conclusion, the speakers shared a forward-looking vision, describing the Southern Provinces as a space for future opportunities, including economic growth, environmental projects, and digital development. The region, according to the same experts, is now seen as an evolving space that is increasingly connected with the rest of the world. The conference demonstrated that the focus has shifted toward development, cooperation, and new possibilities.