On 23-24 September, the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) and Forum of Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FAPPD) conducted a study visit programme in Rabat, Morocco, for FAPPD members to learn about key policies and programmes related to population and development issues in the country. The FAPPD delegates first visited the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, which is tasked with advisory roles concerning major policies in the field of sustainable development, and exchanged views with the Council members on environmental issues including water and climate change, as well as development policies in Morocco. The delegates then visited the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of Morocco, where the Secretary General of the Youth Department briefed them on their programmes focusing on investment in youth. Next, the FAPPD members visited the National Human Rights Council, where they discussed with the President of the Council and members the importance of enhancing cooperation on human rights issues, especially with parliamentarians who play a key role in passing legislation that promote human rights. They also met with the members of the Federation of Moroccan Women. The President of the Federation emphasized that this was a significant opportunity to engage in dialogue with policymakers from Arab countries about challenges facing Arab women and exchange experiences and stories that directly address legislative needs of women across the region.

On the second day, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, and then mt with members of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. They explored how FAPPD and the Moroccan House of Representatives could further facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise in relevant areas, particularly regarding the legislative process. FAPPD delegates stressed the need to enhance bilateral cooperation among parliamentarians in Arab countries as well as foster a fruitful partnership with Asian parliamentarians through FAPPD. Finally, the delegation held a meeting with the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family and discussed the importance of seeking joint efforts to promote social development and people’s welfare. This programme was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Japan Trust Fund (JTF).