Address by His Majesty King Mohammed VI
at the Inauguration of the Hassan Il Academy of Science and Technology
Agadir, 18 May, 2006
(see the film after the event)
Praise be to God
Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin
Distinguished Members of the
Academy, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure
to inaugurate the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology, chair its
first session, and set it on track for a promising future.
I should like to take this
opportunity to recall, with deep respect and reverence, the action undertaken
by my venerable father, His Majesty King Hassan II, may he rest in peace, for
it is to him that we owe the founding of this institution. Indeed, His
Majesty spared no effort to promote our country as a land for dialogue and
for fruitful interaction between scientists and scholars.
Through this inauguration,
we are showing how committed we are to science and learning, given the direct bearing they have on our country's development and progress.
With such a distinguished
membership, this Academy will not only strengthen bonds between Moroccan researchers at home and abroad, but also foster closer ties with the international
scientific community, through the Academy's associate members, who have
kindly agreed to share their scientific expertise and competence.
I am sure this young
institution will find the best way to discharge its mission and muster the
means and resources needed to promote advanced scientific research, building
on a gradual approach based on realistic programming and a future-oriented
vision that targets priority areas. The ultimate objective is to serve our
country and, at the same time, contribute to the advancement of global
science.
I have launched many reforms
designed to pave the way for the future, with hope and optimism. I have also
seen to it the country embarks on major development projects, making sure, in
particular, that the necessary infrastructure for our country's social and
economic development is available.
As we celebrate the first
anniversary of the National Initiative for Human Development, I wish to
underline the key role our scientists, and especially the members of the
Academy, should play in helping the country rise to the challenges of
development, especially those relating to human development.
Scientific research,
technological advancement, innovation and creativity must contribute to this
crucial project, which is designed to upgrade the living conditions of our
citizens, preserve their dignity, and promote their integration into the
knowledge-based society.
Distinguished Members of the
Academy, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We hope this Academy will
contribute to making ours a productive society; one which is open to modern
science and technology, committed to the values of cultural dialogue, and
constantly attached to the lofty principles and ideals in which we have
always believed, and which are based on solidarity, coexistence, dignity for
all and respect for others.
I wish to express my sincere
thanks to the foreign academicians for joining us in this noble mission, and
to their Moroccan counterparts, for their enthusiasm and determination, I
want you all to know that you will always have my support and greatest
respect.
I pray that the Almighty
grant you every success, so that the Hassan II Academy of Science and
Technology may develop into a prominent institution dedicated to scientific
cooperation and the advancement of science.
Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
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