Casablanca addresses urban inclusion challenges for migrants and residents

At the 8th World Congress of United Cities and Local Governments UCLG in Tangier, Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat region, and Taoufiq Benali, Director of the Casablanca Urban Agency, highlighted the city's efforts to balance attractiveness, housing, and integration. Maâzouz emphasized that a metropolis's appeal extends beyond economic performance to its capacity to welcome and integrate human mobility. Casablanca-Settat, Morocco's leading economic region, hosts 60,902 foreign residents, representing nearly 0.8% of its population and making it the primary destination for migrants nationally. These individuals contribute to various sectors, including agriculture, construction, financial services, and new technologies. Maâzouz advocated for viewing migration as a driver of territorial development, moving beyond a security-focused perspective. He also stressed the potential of the six million Moroccans living abroad, proposing a national platform to connect their skills with regional needs in areas like health, research, innovation, and local governance. He suggested creating national and regional human mobility observatories to anticipate demographic changes and adapt public policies. Benali focused on housing and urban planning, stating that housing is fundamental to sustainable development. He noted that over a billion people globally live in inadequate housing, with affordable options becoming scarce in major cities like Casablanca, which faces pressure