Morocco NGO Gathering

Morocco NGO Gathering & Visit
August 3–6, 2018

UNIW organized an official visit to Rabat and Casablanca in the Kingdom of Morocco on August 3–6, 2018, to participate in the General Assembly of member organization Movement of Unity and Reform (MUR) and meet with Moroccan NGOs intending to join the UNIW umbrella.

In the first segment of the program, the delegation met at the MUR Headquarters with Moroccan NGOs operating in family, youth, orphan, and women's welfare domains. Information and field experiences were mutually exchanged. Furthermore, UNIW Secretary General Atty. Ali Kurt presented details regarding the International Civil Society Academy (USTA) planned for implementation by UNIW, requesting partnership and support from Moroccan institutions.

Subsequently, the delegation attended the General Council of the Movement of Unity and Reform (MUR), attended by prominent scholars and NGO representatives from various African nations. Former leadership figures Sheikh Raissouni and Sheikh Hamdaoui participated in the assembly. During the council, Mr. Abdulrahim Sheikhi was re-elected as President of MUR for a second term, and a seminar outlining the movement's 4-year strategic plan was presented. Atty. Ali Kurt held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Saad Eddine El Othmani, Prime Minister of Morocco and member of the movement, extending an official invitation to attend the 3rd International NGO Fair in Istanbul on November 17–18.

In the second segment of the visit, meetings were conducted with NGO representatives at the headquarters of Muntada Al-Zahra Association. In his address, UNIW Secretary General Atty. Ali Kurt affirmed the collective desire to see the Islamic World united once again. He stated that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would never have accepted artificial borders drawn between Muslim nations today, emphasizing that we are obligated to erase these borders from our hearts. He stressed that Muslims must construct a powerful union among Muslim nations akin to global blocs like the European Union, noting that internal divisions are unacceptable when our God, Prophet, and Book are one. Adding that we view Morocco as our home and that Muslims feel identical brotherhood in Turkey, Kurt highlighted that immense work awaits us, and the salvation of the Ummah lies in unity and solidarity. He likened Turkey and Morocco to the two horns of the crescent bordering Western civilization, placing an additional historical responsibility upon both nations. Stating that challenges facing the Muslim world can be overcome through unity, he emphasized the necessity of establishing professional and institutional structures. He concluded that such visits serve as a catalyst for consultation toward blessed joint endeavors.

During the remainder of the program, participating representatives presented their institutional activities, and the visit concluded with consultations on joint projects and strategic partnerships.