Université Ibn Tofail leads a strategic debate on the challenges of “sport and the environment” in Kénitra
On Tuesday, April 29, 2026, the President of Université Ibn Tofail, Mr. Mohamed Ebn Touhami, chaired the opening of the 24th edition of the “Let’s Talk Development” initiative, held under the theme: “Sport and the Environment: Acting Collectively for the Planet.” The event brought together a panel of experts, institutional stakeholders, and students for a scientific discussion on the intersections between sport, the environment, and sustainable development.
This initiative, led by the Policy Center for the New South in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, is part of an intellectual dynamic aimed at creating a space for public debate on development challenges in Morocco, with a particular focus on engaging young people in designing innovative and sustainable solutions.
The event began with a preparatory workshop held at the International Hassan II Center for Environmental Training, serving as an initial step to frame discussions and identify the main areas of interaction between sport and the environment.
The official session opened with a speech by the university president, followed by the screening of a presentation video about the initiative, and an introduction to the discussion framework by the representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Morocco.
The proceedings continued with a session of contributions from several experts and stakeholders, addressing in particular the role of sport in raising environmental awareness, and showcasing practical experiences and initiatives aimed at integrating sustainability principles into the sports system.
The choice of the theme “sport and the environment” comes in the context of accelerating climate changes, where sport emerges as an effective lever for behavioral influence and civic mobilization, thanks to its ability to bring together diverse audiences and promote shared values. However, this relationship remains complex: many sporting activities depend on the preservation of ecosystems, while the sports sector itself also impacts the environment through resource consumption and infrastructure.
At the national level, this debate is gaining increasing importance, particularly as Morocco prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030. This represents a strategic opportunity to promote a development model that combines sporting excellence with environmental commitment, in line with international directions on climate and sustainable development.
