MIRIEM BENSALAH CHAQROUN
President of the moroccan employers association CGEM (General
Confederation of Moroccan companies)
1. What are the growth opportunities that can companies benefit from through sustainable development?
Since Stockholm’s Earth Summit held in 1972, the world’s leaders have become more aware that economic, environmental, and social issues were interrelated, and have learnt to benefit from reducing energy and water consumption, increased renewable energy share in their production process, optimized waste management and wastewater reuse… Entrepreneurs who have introduced innovation in their processes and reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions, through a favorable carbon footprint, have a competitive edge. Those who have not started yet should step up their efforts and investments to overcome this serious gap because they have no other choice! It’s necessary for businesses, that want to ensure profitability and sustainability, to better manage inputs and outputs of industrial processes. They will have to develop and provide sustainable solutions in energy, transp-ortation, sustainable cities, water & waste management…
2. How does CGEM encourage energy efficiency?
Since the 90’s, CGEM has already laid the basis for climate policy by engaging in sustainable development and by setting up a committee dedicated to Energy, Climate and Green Economy. Several initiatives were therefore launched such as: the creation of the Moroccan Center of Clean Production (CMPP) in partnership with the Ministry of the Industry and the Ministry of the Environment; the implementation of a charter and a Corporate Social Responsibility label, in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection; the creation of a coalition for waste recycling (COVAD) and more recently, another coalition called the Moroccan Coalition for Water (COALMA). The Energy, Climate and Green Economy Committee is dedicated to facilitate the transition to a green economy in Morocco, while using renewable energy and energy efficiency. It also help companies in adressing climate change issues through the Moroccan Centre for Clean Production (CMPP), providing technical support to moroccan companies, mainly SMEs. Recently, CGEM has launched the Qualit’Air Pact in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, through which it allows our members to assess their GHG emissions, offset and reduce them.
3. What communication tools CGEM uses to sensitize Moroccan companies on global warming and sustainable development?
CGEM is fully convinced of the role that companies should play in supporting Governments to contain the extent of climate change as stated by the Paris agreement.As I said earlier, CGEM’s actions relating to climate change have started way before COP22. It has designed an awareness program to sensitize Moroccan companies on the challenges of climate issues as well as on the available opportunities. As for COP22, many events have been scheduled before and during the Conference of the parties. Some of them are national, such as the Green Growth Academy, where sectoral themes are addressed; and others are international such as the Business Dialogue, a platform for high-level meetings between business and government representatives, the Waste and Climate Summit and the High Level Business Summit on Climate Change. During COP22, many other side events are planned in the Blue Zone such as the Business and Climate Summit, the Climate MEDCOP and the Caring for Climate Forum. All this work has been possible thanks to the expertise and efforts of the members of the task force that I have the honor to chair. Besides, CGEM has launched the Morocco Business Climate Initiative whereby it will provide education, training and assistance to companies which commit to the Green Economy.
4. What is your role, as the main Moroccan private sector representative, in COP22 organization and success?
Last September, CGEM has signed a partnership agreement with the COP 22 High Committee. We have committed to mobilize international employer’s organizations worldwide, in particular from the South, to sign the “Marrakech Declaration” during the High Level Business Summit on Climate Change. This declaration aims to endorse the commitment of the global private sector’s fight against climate change. In recognition of its efforts, CCGEM was granted the status of “Observer Organization” by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and will take part in climate negotiations during COP22 as well as in all upcoming COPs.
MIRIEM BENSALAH CHAQROUN, MOROCCO
President of the moroccan employers association CGEM (General
Confederation of Moroccan companies)
