Casablanca: SiltaNews – News Desk
Around 30 ambassadors accredited to Morocco and representatives of international organizations visited the campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) on Thursday as part of a tour organized by the Fondation diplomatique. The visit aimed to strengthen communication channels, openness, and cooperation prospects with Morocco’s international partners. Diplomats examined the university’s model, which focuses heavily on innovation, applied research, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the visit, Foundation president Abdelati Habek said the university reflects a royal vision that places human capital development at the center of sustainable development efforts. He described the institution, founded by the OCP Group, as a citizen-oriented and responsible university that attracts talented students from Morocco and abroad while also training researchers and entrepreneurs. Habek also pointed to the university’s international reach and its partnerships with African universities and academic institutions worldwide.
The delegation received presentations on the university’s educational system, research activities, and innovation programs. Officials said the institution works on solutions tied to challenges facing Africa, particularly food security, drought, and climate change. The university, inaugurated by Mohammed VI in 2017, also presented its scientific research infrastructure and future-oriented innovation projects.
During the tour, diplomats visited several facilities, including the Digital Learning Lab, materials science laboratories, legal engineering laboratories, the Moroccan coding school 1337, and the startup platform StartGate. In a statement to the press, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Morocco, Kazimbaya Shakilla Umutoni, described the university as “an African pride,” citing the quality of its infrastructure and academic programs.
She said the institution provides an appropriate framework to address challenges facing Morocco, Africa, and the wider world, especially in sustainable development and innovation. The ambassador also noted that several Rwandan students are currently studying at the university, particularly in agriculture and technology fields. Umutoni commended the quality of training offered by the university and said the visit could help reinforce partnerships between Morocco and African countries.
For his part, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Morocco, Helge Seland, said the university has built a global reputation. He added that the visit was an opportunity to explore possible partnerships with Norwegian higher education institutions. Damien Patrick Donovan, the Ambassador of Australia to Morocco, also hailed the university’s architecture, scientific research, and Africa-focused approach. He called for stronger cooperation between the university and Australian institutions, particularly in research, innovation, and academic exchange.
UM6P communication and public relations director Amina Lahbabi commented on the visit, stating that the university was pleased to host ambassadors and diplomats for the second consecutive year. She said the university has signed more than 250 partnerships across academic and industrial sectors and continues to expand its presence in African networks to strengthen ties with international partners and diplomatic missions.