The symposium was organized at the initiative of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region, in partnership with Abdelmalek Essaadi University, and in cooperation with the Afro-Ibero-American and Atlantic Studies Center for Governance and Sustainable Development.

In his address, Moulay Boutal Lembarki, Vice-President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, stated that, thanks to the forward-looking vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the region has become a dynamic strategic hub, a center for cultural exchange, and a bridge connecting continents and peoples. He noted that the presence of a distinguished group of academics from various continents reflects Dakhla’s growing scientific and intellectual appeal.

He added that the symposium provided an opportunity for policymakers to explore different development models, exchange experiences, analyze successful practices in territorial governance, and draw on best practices for building strong and cohesive regions capable of achieving sustainable development.

He further emphasized that the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region believes the future of development lies in empowering regions, strengthening investment in human capital, and fostering international cooperation and strategic partnerships.

For her part, Hind Cherkaoui Dakkaki, Vice-President of Abdelmalek Essaadi University in charge of scientific research, stated that the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region, owing to its geostrategic position as a gateway to Morocco’s African hinterland, provides an ideal platform for addressing major contemporary issues. She highlighted that the university has placed the Moroccan Sahara at the forefront of its academic priorities and is committed to linking knowledge with practical realities, making scientific research a driver of development and a supporter of public policy.

Ms. Cherkaoui Dakkaki added that the choice of “Autonomy Systems” as the theme of the symposium reflects the university’s vision of promoting scholarly approaches that present autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty not merely as a political solution, but as a comprehensive model combining national sovereignty, sustainable development, and international recognition.

Luca Mezzetti, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Bologna, Italy, described the meeting as an opportunity to examine several models of territorial autonomy, including those of Italy, Spain, France, and Brazil. In this context, he noted that the autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara represents a key instrument for achieving comprehensive regional development.

He also pointed out that the region, which he has visited on several occasions, is experiencing significant development driven by major investments and large-scale projects, notably the Dakhla Atlantic Port, considered a strategic gateway connecting Morocco to Africa, Latin America, and Europe. For his part, Hamid Aboulass, university professor and director of the Afro-Ibero-American and Atlantic Studies Center for Governance and Sustainable Development, stated that the symposium was organized within the context of growing diplomatic momentum surrounding the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, particularly following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which he described as reinforcing autonomy as the basis for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.

He emphasized that the strong participation of Moroccan and international experts and academics enabled a rich exchange of perspectives on comparative models of autonomy, their strengths and challenges, as well as Morocco’s advanced regionalization process initiated under the 2011 Constitution.

Presentations during the symposium addressed several key themes, including:“The Autonomy System in Italy: Regions as a Model”, “The Significance of Political Decentralization from the Perspective of Powers”, “Characteristics of the Brazilian Federal Model: Decentralization, Democracy, and Constitutional Competencies”, “Governance of the Sustainable Development Goals in Spain’s Regional Model”

Participants also discussed related topics such as the importance of women’s representation in self-governance systems, comparative models of self-government in Europe and Latin America, and financial management in decentralized governance systems.