Mediterranean Dialogue Forum 2025

The Mediterranean Dialogue Forum 2025 opened the year in Rabat with a high-level gathering focused on one of the most pressing challenges for North Africa and the wider Mediterranean: irregular migration. Held at the Rabat Business School of the International University of Rabat (UIR), the forum brought together international experts, policymakers, academics, and civil-society actors, reinforcing Rabat’s role as an emerging hub for strategic dialogue on Mediterranean governance.

Organised by Mediterranean Dialogue in partnership with EDEN Maroc and AMSED, the forum attracted strong participation from early in the morning, filling the venue with specialists eager to explore the complexities of migration in the region.

Panel 1 – Understanding the Drivers and Impact of Irregular Migration in Morocco within the Mediterranean Context

The opening panel provided a comprehensive overview of the factors pushing irregular migration and its broader implications for Morocco and the Mediterranean basin.

Speakers included:

• Ms. Salma Agnaou (UNHCR), who emphasized the evolving profile of mixed migration flows and the need for adaptable humanitarian responses.
• Mr. Mohamed El Ouali Alami (AMSED), who analysed the sociopolitical dimensions of youth mobility and underlying vulnerabilities.
• Ms. Maftatha Benchlikha (IOM – UN Migration), who presented updated data on routes, risks, and shifting dynamics across the Sahel and Maghreb.
• Mr. Abderrahman Benyaha (Droits et Justice), who highlighted key legal challenges and gaps in access to rights for migrants.
• Mr. Abdeslam Sbatri (Organisation des Jeunes Africains), who offered a generational perspective on aspirations, digital influence, and the motivations driving young migrants.

The panel underscored that Morocco is simultaneously a country of origin, transit, and destination, necessitating coordinated policies that integrate economic, climatic, social, and security-related factors.

Panel 2 – Policy Responses and Regional Cooperation to Address Irregular Migration in Morocco and the Mediterranean

The second panel shifted towards governance, policy design, and regional cooperation. It was marked by practical recommendations and evidence-based analysis.

Speakers included:

• Mr. Ivan Martin (Policy Center for the New South), who advocated for migration policies rooted in data and long-term impact assessments.
• Ms. Aurélie Eragne (National Human Rights Council – CNDH), who outlined Morocco’s institutional progress and remaining protection challenges.
• Dr. Norman Sempija (Mohammed VI Polytechnic University), who stressed the need for a coherent Mediterranean architecture of cooperation.
• Ms. Alicia Tintelín (Hijra Legal Clinic Morocco), who presented case studies illustrating obstacles to justice and integration at the local level.

A central conclusion emerged: effective migration governance must balance security, rights, development, and diplomacy. Speakers agreed that Morocco occupies a pivotal position to help shape a renewed Mediterranean cooperation framework.

Presentation of the Country Note on Irregular Migration in Morocco

The forum also featured the presentation of an updated Country Note summarising key trends, vulnerabilities, and policy recommendations. The document was well received as a valuable resource for researchers and decision-makers working on migration governance.

Closing Remarks & Outlook

The Mediterranean Dialogue Forum 2025 concluded with a clear message: addressing irregular migration requires sustained dialogue, rigorous research, and stronger regional partnerships. The forum successfully positioned Morocco—and Rabat in particular—as a central platform for Mediterranean policy reflection.

The day ended with informal discussions and networking among participants, opening the door to future collaborations across the region.