Mohammedia – The Junior Chamber International of Rabat (JCI Rabat) held its Rentrée Solennelle 2026 today at the Presidency of Mohammed V University–Agdal, bringing together students, academics, civil society actors, and professionals to discuss the growing role of sport diplomacy in Morocco and across Africa.
The flagship annual event opened with a roundtable focused on sport as a lever for socio-economic and territorial development, a theme shaped by recent regional momentum, including the African Cup of Nations.
Speakers from media, governance, and academic backgrounds exchanged views on how sport can function beyond competition, serving as a tool for cooperation, inclusion, and soft power.
“Sport is not just a discipline,” said Meryem Bouizgar, Local President of JCI Rabat for 2026 and a PhD researcher in management sciences.
“It is a tool, a form of soft power that brings people together and creates links between nations and cultures.” She explained that the theme was chosen in response to the Moroccan and African context, where sport increasingly plays a role in diplomacy and development.
The discussion was moderated by Bassma Oumaima, an archaeology student and social activist, who said the roundtable aimed to bridge perspectives from different sectors.
“This roundtable brought together key people in the world of sports, from the media to academic and governance actors,” she said. “The goal was to discuss sport as a lever for socio-economic and territorial growth in Morocco and Africa.”
Hajar Tahiri, Chief Project Officer of the Rentrée Solennelle and a second-year English student at the École Normale Supérieure de Rabat, noted that this year’s edition holds particular significance.
“This is the fifth edition of the Rentrée Solennelle, and the event itself has been organized for 15 years now,” she said.
“The success of the African Cup of Nations showed how powerful sport can be, which made this theme especially relevant.”
Tahiri also highlighted the role of institutional and media partnerships in the event’s success. She thanked Mohammed V University for its collaboration with JCI Rabat, as well as the organization’s media partners, offering special appreciation to Moroccan World News for its coverage.
Following the conference, JCI Rabat held its general assembly, during which members presented the organization’s action plan for 2026 and discussed upcoming projects.
Organizers said the event reflects JCI Rabat’s continued focus on youth engagement, dialogue, and civic leadership through issues of national and continental relevance.
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