Victoria Forum Casablanca Round
17-18 February 2025
The Victoria Forum Casablanca Round is an exclusive event co-organized by the Victoria Forum and ESCA Ecole de Management, Morocco. This marks the first time the Victoria Forum will convene in Africa, highlighting its dedication to engaging with the continent's thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to shape meaningful dialogue on the future of Africa. The theme of the event is:
“A Better Africa for All: Building Trust and Empowering People”
The event will bring together distinguished leaders from diverse fields to address some of Africa's most pressing challenges and opportunities. Discussions will focus on empowering youth, navigating geopolitical complexities, combating climate change, and bridging health disparities. The aim is to foster trust, unity, and collaboration while developing actionable solutions that support sustainable growth and social equity across the continent.
Trust lies at the core of this event, as it is seen as a key element for cohesive societies, effective institutions, and resilient communities. Building trust within Africa and externally is critical for sustainable growth and development. The Victoria Forum Casablanca Round will explore how trust can be leveraged to address current challenges while inspiring innovation, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
Africa, with over 60% of its population under 25 years old, holds tremendous potential for shaping a better future. The event will explore how this young and dynamic population, paired with Africa's rich cultural heritage, can be empowered to drive positive change. By engaging key stakeholders, the discussions will create a platform for sharing perspectives and working towards a unified vision for Africa—one that prioritizes economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Notification to authors: July 15, 2024
- Conference date: 23-25, 2024
Publication Opportunities :
The International Journal of Emerging Markets – ISSN: 1746-8809
South African Journal of Business Management – ISSN: 2078-5585
African Journal of Climate Studies – ISSN: 3005-4613
Management and Sustainability: An Arab Review – ISSN: 2752-9819
Program Overview:
Day 1: February 17, 2025
Opening Remarks – Building Trust and Addressing Africa’s Geopolitical Challenges
9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
Welcome Remarks
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening Address
Saul Klein
Executive Director, Forum de Victoria Forum.
Thami Ghorfi
Dean, ESCA Ecole de Management
Isabelle Valois
Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Morocco.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Opening Panel: Empowering Africa’s Youth for a Sustainable and Trustworthy Future (Open to students and the public)
Speakers:
Arkebe Oqubay
Former Senior Minister and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Jaloul Ayed
Former Minister of Finance of Tunisia.
Lahcen Haddad
Senate Vice President and Former Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Luís Filipe Tavares
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Cape Verde.
Mohamed Abdirizak
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia.
Moderators :
Thami Ghorfi
Dean, ESCA Ecole de Management.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch Break and Networking
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Session 1: Navigating Africa’s Geopolitical and Socio-Economic Complexities
Exploring the challenges and opportunities arising from Africa’s geopolitical landscape and socio-economic dynamics.
Speakers:
El Mokhtar Ghambou
Former Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Kenya.
Moubarack Lo
President of the Emergence Institute and Senior Fellow at the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS).
Rym Ayadi
Professor, Senior Advisor at the CEPS. Founder and President of the EMEA, Founder and Director of the EMANES.
Moderators :
Ahmed Iraqi
Professor and Researcher, ESCA Ecole de Management.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Coffee Break and Networking
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Session 2 – Innovative Solutions for Africa’s Future: Bridging the Health Divide
Exploring strategies and innovative solutions to address Africa’s health disparities for a sustainable future.
Speakers:
Adrienne Leussa
Scientist, Business Leader, Consultant, and Expert in Life Sciences and Healthcare in Africa
Jaâfar Heikel
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences.
Kenza Zerrou
Director of Innovative Finance at the WHO.
Saverio Stranges
Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Director of the Africa Institute.
Moderators :
Adel Guitouni
Professor and Researcher, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Notification to authors: July 15, 2024
- Conference date: 23-25, 2024
Publication Opportunities :
The International Journal of Emerging Markets – ISSN: 1746-8809
South African Journal of Business Management – ISSN: 2078-5585
African Journal of Climate Studies – ISSN: 3005-4613
Management and Sustainability: An Arab Review – ISSN: 2752-9819
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Dinner
Day 2: February 18, 2025
Driving Climate Action and Innovative Solutions for Africa's Future
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Session 3: Addressing the Impact of Climate Change: Migration and Economic Realities for a Resilient Africa
Focusing on the relationship between climate change and migration, and its implications for building resilience in Africa.
Nouzha Bouchareb
Former Minister of Urban Planning, Housing and Urban Policy of Morocco.
António Henriques da Silva
Founder and Managing Director, INVEST-A; Expert in Investment Promotion and Economic Development
Dr. Balgis Osman Elasha
Climate Change and Green Growth Expert with African Development Bank
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Coffee Break and Networking
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Session 4 – From Tensions to Trust: Fostering Dialogue for Co-Prosperity in Africa
Discussions on fostering trust among nations, communities, and institutions for collective prosperity.
Speakers:
Abdou Souleye Diop
Managing Partner of Mazars in Morocco and
President of the Africa Commission of the CGEM.
Lord Jack McConnell
Former First Minister of Scotland.
(Tentatively Accepted)
Mareike Schomerus
Vice President, Busara; Visiting Lecturer, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago.
Moderators :
Saad Laraqui
Associate Dean of Research, ESCA Ecole de Management.
12:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Summary of key insights and outcomes from the discussions, highlighting actionable next steps and reinforcing the collective commitment to driving meaningful change across Africa.
Registration Form
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