64
ALRAQABA . ISSUE 16
5. The national statistics system plays an
important and pivotal role in following up
on the implementation of SDGs through
the production of indicators put forth by
the UN in order to monitor the progress of
the 2030 Agenda. The experience of the
High Commission of Planning in Morocco
is considered an outstanding model. It
has developed special tools to study
coherence between general policies,
assess Morocco’s capacity to achieve
SDGs, create scenarios to achieve these
goals, and to commence the preparation
of a voluntary national report regarding
the outcome of their implementation.
In addition, the High Commission of
Planning developed a statistical input
data and an open electronic platform (for
the public) for analyzing interconnections
between SDGs. Furthermore, it was
demonstrated through discussions with
the High Commission officials that the
government preparedness report of the
Court of Audit plays an important role, as
its recommendations contributed to the
integration of the Commission within the
framework of the National Committee of
Sustainable Development and helped to
improve the governance framework. The
preparedness report also ascertained the
importance of modifying the legal framework
of the statistical system and increasing the
level of coordination between different input
producers.
6. The visit to the National Office of Electricity
and Drinking Water represented an
opportunity to examine procedures
performed by the Office in the field of
sustainable development and environmental
preservation, especially with regards to
supply of drinking water and sanitation. The
Office has undertaken studies on all projects
to assess their environmental impacts,
as well as other general studies that are
aimed at protecting water resources,
recycling treated water (i.e., irrigation of golf
courses and green pastures, industrial and
agricultural use, etc.), and using renewable
energies. Furthermore, this visit enabled
the delegation to capture efforts of the
Office in the fields of planning, financing
and implementing the SDG projects and the
challenges encountered in this area. That,
in addition to knowing how this vital field
contributes to implementing SDG 6, which
is related to water and sanitation as well as
SDGs 9, 11 and 12.
7. The approval of the national strategy for
sustainable development according to a
cooperative approach that integrates social,
economic, and environmental dimensions
and focuses on clear constitutional and
legal references is considered a proof on
Morocco’s will to engage in accelerating the
implementation of SDGs. In the framework
of implementing this strategy, Morocco
has developed a governance framework,
plans, and sectorial work programs that
aim toward sustainable development,
activating ideally managed workshops
and implementing a special government
platform in order to monitor strategy
indicators. During discussions with officials
in the environment sector, the participants
examined the extent of implementing
the recommendations of the government
preparedness report, especially with
regards to governance, setting priorities and
the follow up of indicators. In addition, the
participants discussed problems related to
coordination between different government
institutions and the role of the sector in this
regard.
