The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Morocco–Mauritania, the Center for Studies and Research on Hebrew Law in Morocco, and the Maison Maroc pour la Paix et la Tolérance jointly organized, on September 12–13, 2025 in Essaouira, an international conference entitled “Multicultural Identities – A Memory in Motion.” The event also marked the official inauguration of the Afro-Atlantic Observatory.
At the heart of the discussions, the conference explored the processes of identity construction in global contexts. Participants emphasized that globalization places the complexity of human identities at the center of contemporary scientific reflection. The presentations shed light on the cultural, political, and social dimensions of belonging and diversity. Special attention was given to the Moroccan context, seen as a historical crossroads of cultures and religions, playing a key role in the debate on multicultural identities. Morocco was presented as a privileged space for dialogue and coexistence, and the conference highlighted the importance of Moroccan initiatives fostering tolerance, intercultural exchange, and peaceful coexistence.
The opening session on September 12 was chaired by Abdellah Ouzitane, President and Founder of the Center for Studies and Research on Hebrew Law in Morocco, and Farid El Bacha, Founder of the Maison Maroc pour la Paix et la Tolérance. In their welcoming remarks, they stressed that identity is always built through dialogue with history, memory, and social evolution. Tarik Otmani, Mayor of Essaouira, and Mustapha El Bakkouri, Mayor of Tetouan, jointly underlined the role of Moroccan cities as living spaces of intercultural dialogue.
Steven Höfner, Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Morocco–Mauritania, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting intellectual and cultural spaces in Morocco where dialogue, reflection, and mutual understanding can flourish. He emphasized that diversity must be understood as a societal opportunity.
In a virtual address, André Azoulay, Adviser to His Majesty the King and President-Promoter of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, praised Essaouira as a unique place where cultural coexistence is not only historically rooted but actively lived today. He recalled that Essaouira had been, for centuries, a space where Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Amazigh communities coexisted peacefully and jointly contributed to the city’s cultural growth. He cited Bayt Al Dakira as a concrete expression of this philosophy—a place connecting Jewish memory, Muslim spirituality, and Moroccan citizenship.
The conference also examined the role of the Moroccan diaspora as a continuous identity link, maintaining cultural ties while serving as a strategic tool for complex geocultural diplomacy. The relationship between identity and territorial justice was highlighted as a key sociological axis, particularly concerning regional development challenges.
One of the highlights of the event was the screening of the documentary “The Schoolchildren of Peace.” Organized within the framework of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, this educational forum engaged young people from Essaouira and the surrounding region as ambassadors of peace. Their testimonies reflected a deep connection with Essaouira’s spirit. After the screening, the young participants spoke under the theme “Giving Voice to the Schoolchildren of Peace,” sharing their personal experiences and visions for a peaceful future.
The second day, September 13, began with a ceremonial welcome at Bayt Al Dakira. Abdellah Ouzitane and Farid El Bacha opened the session with a programmatic introduction.
A central moment was the official inauguration of the Afro-Atlantic Observatory, conceived as a strategic platform for research and dialogue. Its mission is to analyze the geopolitical, cultural, and social challenges of the Afro-Atlantic space and to promote an inclusive vision of Africa based on cooperation, knowledge sharing, and regional stability.
Continuing this dynamic, a partnership agreement was signed between the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Center for Studies and Research on Hebrew Law in Morocco, aiming to develop joint research projects, conferences, and educational formats to strengthen intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding efforts in the Afro-Atlantic space.
Finally, expert contributions provided insights into current developments. The Royal Atlantic Initiative, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, was presented as a strategic turning point for Africa’s geopolitical orientation. In addition, the innovative project of the Essaouira–Tetouan Cultural University was introduced. This interdisciplinary university will place Morocco’s cultural diversity at the core of its mission, linking academic research, artistic expression, and civic engagement.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation by the main speakers that peace cannot be achieved solely through political measures but requires the active involvement of cultural and intellectual spaces. Steven Höfner praised the depth of the exchanges and reaffirmed Essaouira’s role as a living symbol of tolerance and cultural diversity.
