Growing up in the world of diplomacy — attending family diplomatic receptions — I was nurtured by stories of negotiation, statecraft, and international affairs since my earliest childhood days. They sounded to me like fairytales, stories I would imagine and embellish in my young mind. My journey into diplomacy did not begin in lecture halls or libraries, but over cups of mint tea and gentle laughter, through the whispered anecdotes of seasoned diplomats visiting us. Witnessing these interactions firsthand, I absorbed the art of patience, tact, and cultural finesse — not as theory, but as a lived experience.
One reason I wanted to change the narrative was when I recognized that the privileges I grew up in were reserved for the elite. I wanted to create a space where I could share this collective heritage with Morocco’s ambitious youth rather than an exclusive experience.
This vision took shape through a series of pivotal events that I chose to name the Road to Diplomacy Conference Series, which I organized through the international organization JCI Rabat. Our most recent conference featured Ambassador Ali Achour as our distinguished guest, in collaboration with our cultural partner, the Iklyle Cultural Center of Rabat, offering participants a rare opportunity to learn from his rich experience. With a clear mission, we aim to ignite curiosity, awaken young minds, and equip Moroccan youth with the historical and diplomatic tools to engage consciously, defend the Kingdom effectively, and become daily advocates for our country’s values on every stage.
A convergence of minds
In early October, young minds eager to dive into the annals of history gathered to witness a dialogue that connected the past and the present.
At its center was Ambassador Ali Achour, former Moroccan diplomat, who first served in Denmark and Switzerland before becoming Consul General in Malaga and Madrid. He then served as the Kingdom’s ambassador to Venezuela, Norway, Brazil, the Holy See, and the Order of Malta. He held critical positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Director of American Affairs. Since 2015, he has been an advisor to the Diplomatic Foundation in Rabat and a regular contributor to Diplomatica magazine.
His publications, including, “Le Sahara marocain, 20 questions pour comprendre,” and, “La diplomatie dans le Maroc d’autrefois,” are required reading for understanding Morocco’s diplomatic identity. During our conference, “La diplomatie dans le Maroc d’autrefois: Des origines à 1912” provided both the framework and inspiration for our discussion; an extensive exploration of Morocco’s diplomatic endeavors from the 16th century until the 1912 Protectorate Treaty, which served as the cornerstone of our dialogue. His meticulous research unveiled a narrative of resilience, strategy, and cultural diplomacy that had long been overshadowed.
The essence of Moroccan diplomacy
Our attendees learned from Ambassador Achour’s insights about how Morocco’s diplomatic heritage is more than just a record of treaties and discussions; it demonstrates the Kingdom’s strategic vision, cultural sophistication, and enduring impact. During the powerful reign of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour — who succeeded his brother Abdelmalek Es-Saâdi after the decisive victory at the Battle of Oued El Makhazine in 1578 — he secured Morocco’s international stature, leading to the development of long-lasting diplomatic milestones. Many of the legacy diplomatic buildings established in Morocco during past centuries, such as the Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies (TALIM), still stand today, serving as tangible witnesses to the Kingdom’s rich diplomatic history.
Sultan Moulay Slimane granted the U.S. a legation in Morocco in 1821. TALIM functioned as the U.S. diplomatic seat for 150 years and is now a museum and cultural center commemorating centuries of Moroccan-American relations, a symbol of dialogue, exchange, and foresight. Morocco’s history offers timeless lessons in statecraft. Our young participants understood that these historic structures present in several cities are largely underexploited, representing a vast reservoir of diplomatic heritage and could be developed into a Moroccan diplomatic-tourism circuit, combining education, culture, and international relations.
Ambassador Achour emphasized that Moroccan diplomacy has always been characterized by adaptability, prudence, and foresight. Even in times of challenge or decline, the Kingdom safeguarded its sovereignty through smart strategic alliances, strong representation, cultural engagement, and meticulous negotiation, demonstrating a resilience that is profoundly ingrained in Morocco’s diplomatic DNA.
The art and ethics of diplomacy
Ambassador Achour enthralled the audience by emphasizing a key contrast between “a diplomat” and “being diplomatic.” The former is a profession whereas the latter is a way of life — a patient, tactful, and culturally sensitive attitude that anyone can adopt. However, he also stated that without the ability to approach people with warmth, initiate conversations effortlessly, and carry a commanding yet approachable presence and smile, one might need to reconsider pursuing a diplomatic career.
To be diplomatic is to embody tact and integrity beyond formal duty. It is an attitude that transforms every interaction into an opportunity for understanding, compromise, and principled negotiation. This insight resonated deeply with the youth, demonstrating that diplomacy is more than just a professional vocation, but a lifelong attitude to engaging responsibly and thoughtfully with the world.
Inspiration, engagement, and legacy
The session concluded with a moving book-signing, where eager participants received personal dedications from Ambassador Achour. The young guests’ delight and curiosity were palpable, a testament to the lasting power of history and wisdom passed from one generation to the next, awakening in the youth an appetite to rediscover their Kingdom, building Morocco’s future advocates and guardians of its legacy.
Through the Road to Diplomacy initiative, Moroccan youth are empowered with the history, knowledge, values, and confidence to carry forward our Kingdom’s legacy. Diplomacy begins not in embassies, but in the hearts of those who carry the noble burden of understanding, representing, and defending their nation with wisdom and integrity.
