Distinguished guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

[All protocol observed]

It is an honor for me to stand before you today at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, alongside distinguished guests, for this event which aims to link the ambitious climate commitments and the high-level sports commitments of the Kingdom of Morocco. At UNDP, we see sport as a lever for acceleration in several development goals, and climate-related goals should not be an exception.

At the outset, I would like to commend Morocco for the remarkable strides it has made in the areas of sustainable development and climate action. Every day, UNDP is proud to be a key partner in Morocco’s sustainable transformation. UNDP witnesses and accompanies the country in honoring its commitment to accelerate its green transition, in line with its New Development Model and the Sustainable Development Goals, including by supporting the development and implementation of key policies and strategies such as the National Sustainable Development Strategy, the national energy transition strategy, the national biodiversity strategy and action plan, the Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy, the National Water Plan 2020–2050, the third generation of Nationally Determined Contribution, a testament to its dedication to a greener future. 

Today, we gather to acknowledge the significance of Morocco co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the challenges it presents and opportunities it offers in terms of infrastructure and climate commitments. This event is not just about sports; it is about sustainable development in Morocco. 

Indeed, large sporting events, with their global reach and significant environmental impact, have the potential to act as powerful catalysts for advancing climate action. To ensure a positive contribution to global climate commitments, organizers, stakeholders, and participants must focus on sustainability across all aspects of planning, execution, and post-event activities. The adoption of a sustainable event framework can be very helpful, including a commitment to carbon neutrality, integrating circular economy principles, and incorporating renewable energy sources. 

[Sustainable Infrastructure]

First and foremost, the need for sustainable infrastructure that serves both the event and can serve local communities beyond the event, in line long-term national development goals should be emphasized. Green building certification, optimization of water usage, and enhancement of waste management are examples of areas where UNDP has accumulated substantive experience. UNDP's experience shows that large-scale infrastructure can also serve as a platform for national energy transitions when designed with long-term sustainability in mind. For example, in Kazakhstan, UNDP helped deploy over 75 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, many powering public buildings like schools and health centers, with over US$68 million mobilized in green finance and 2.15 million tons of CO₂ emissions avoided. These experiences offer valuable insights for Morocco: by embedding clean energy systems, such as rooftop solar, battery storage, and energy-efficient cooling, into World Cup venues and surrounding infrastructure from the outset, the country can avoid stranded assets and ensure lasting energy access and cost savings for local communities after the tournament ends. 

[Green Mobility and Clean Energy]

Green energy and clean mobility solutions are naturally essential to delivering a low-carbon World Cup. Transport and energy infrastructure are among the biggest sources of emissions in mega-events but also offer the biggest opportunities for transformation. UNDP has indeed helped countries rethink mobility and energy through integrated, scalable solutions. For instance, in Uruguay, UNDP facilitated the project redirected fossil fuel subsidies to fund electric buses, benefiting over 800,000 people and cutting 27,000 tons of CO₂, doubling its original target. Morocco could leverage these insights by introducing electric shuttle fleets for fans, solar-powered charging infrastructure, and digital energy systems for real-time demand monitoring in stadiums and fan villages. Smart energy and mobility investments can build the infrastructure backbone for Morocco’s long-term clean transport and energy ambitions.

[Nature-Positive Event Planning]

Finally, nature-positive event planning has the power to regenerate entire urban ecosystems while embedding resilience, equity, and opportunity for the next generation. UNDP’s global experience shows that when major infrastructure is planned through an inclusive and ecosystem-based lens, the benefits extend far beyond the event itself. In Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, ahead of COP27, for example, UNDP supported a citywide transformation that boosted solar power capacity to 50 MW by 2024, a tenfold increase since 2020, cutting 4,050 tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to protecting 60 km² of coral reefs. Morocco could be inspired by this as it prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Coupled with the mobilization of volunteers and youth training and meaningful engagement in sustainable construction, renewable energy, and eco-tourism, Morocco can turn World Cup preparations into a catalyst for inclusive green urban development, delivering on its New Development Model and leaving a legacy of resilience, equity, and climate leadership.

[Leveraging technology and engaging stakeholders for monitoring and awareness]

Technological innovation can help track environmental impacts and raise awareness amongst participants and stakeholders. In particular, technology can be used to track energy usage, emissions, and waste production, enabling informed decision-making ; digital ticketing and other digital tools can reduce waste, and interactive awareness campaigns can educate participants on climate-friendly practices.

On the other hand, partnering with environmental organisations and local communities, for example to restore ecosystems around the events, can enhance the carbon neutrality, ensure direct trickle down effect of investments and also lead to long-term climate and environmental impact for the host cities and regions. 

[Innovative Financing Mechanisms]

All this can be better achieved with innovative financing mechanisms, and UNDP’s added value also resides in the ability to identify and leverage non-traditional mechanisms to raise funds for development aid through projects such as micro-contributions, taxes, public-private partnerships, blended finance and market-based financial transactions. These mechanisms aim to increase the volume, efficiency, and effectiveness of financial flows to support development goals. On a smaller-scale, but with great relevance, UNDP also has experience in leveraging crowdfunding for community-driven initiatives and supporting local governments in accessing capital for infrastructure and service delivery. UNDP and the United Nations Capital development Fund work together to enhance the canalization of financing towards development goals, including through derisking mechanisms.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, 

Through an ambitious portfolio of over 20 ongoing projects, spanning climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, inclusive and sustainable urban development, integrated coastal zone management, the fight against plastic pollution, as well as the promotion of sustainable tourism, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, UNDP supports the Government in translating its environmental and climate commitments into concrete actions on the ground.  Through these and other initiatives, we will be delighted to contribute to the concrete implementation of measures which will ensure a climate-positive world cup event. 

In the city of Marrakech, one of the major metropolitan areas expected to host the 2030 World Cup, UNDP is implementing an ambitious integrated programme entitled “Marrakech Sustainable City.” This initiative aims to support the inclusive and sustainable transformation of the city, in line with Morocco’s key national priorities.

Through this programme, we are promoting the development and investment in innovative projects and initiatives, including clean mobility, sustainable tourism, urban biodiversity preservation, efficient waste management, smart public lighting, energy efficiency, and the expansion of renewable energy. The goal is clear: to catalyze high-impact solutions, mobilize innovative financing and economic models, and strengthen partnerships to place Marrakech on a sustainable development and climate resilient path. 

This work is fully aligned with Morocco’s broader goal of hosting a green and climate-friendly 2030 World Cup, while affirming its leadership in inclusive and sustainable development.

UNDP strongly believes in the need to prioritize green energy and infrastructure, and in fact in Morocco our country office has itself taken an early leadership in UNDP's 'Greening Moonshot' initiative, committing to reducing its corporate carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 compared to 2018 to align with the Paris Agreement by investing in energy efficiency and e-Mobility projects.

Last but certainly not least, allow me to stress that only through co-creation will we succeed in delivering on the principles and objectives of Agenda 2030. Indeed, meaningful engagement of all relevant stakeholders, including the most marginalized and vulnerable ones, is a sine qua non to achieve green goals and the SDGs overall, and ensure that, truly, no one is left behind. 

Let us encourage even greater collaboration and innovation among stakeholders to ensure that the 2030 FIFA World Cup leaves a lasting legacy of inclusion, resilience and climate leadership for Morocco. I thank the organizers for bringing us together today and I reiterate that UNDP stands by the Kingdom of Morocco to explore further opportunities for sustainable development and ever greener inspiration for generations to come.

Thank you for your attention.