An international forum on autonomy models and their role in regional development was held in Dakhla, Morocco, on April 2, 2026. The event, organized by the Moroccan think tank Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), brought together experts, diplomats, and officials to examine how various self-governance frameworks can foster economic and social progress.
Discussions centered on comparative studies of autonomy systems from regions like Scotland, Catalonia, and the Faroe Islands. Participants analyzed the conditions necessary for successful implementation, emphasizing respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity as foundational principles. The forum highlighted autonomy as a potential mechanism for managing cultural diversity and addressing local aspirations within unified states.
The choice of Dakhla as the host city underscored the forum's focus on development in the southern provinces of Morocco. Speakers linked effective governance models to enhanced investment, job creation, and improved public services in regions with specific geographic or historical contexts. The conference concluded that tailored autonomy models, when designed inclusively and with local participation, can be significant drivers for sustainable regional development and stability.
