Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling economic and cultural center, has officially joined the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, becoming the first city in North Africa to do so. This landmark decision positions the city at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change and underscores Morocco’s growing commitment to sustainable development. Casablanca’s membership in the prestigious network is a significant milestone for both the city and the wider region, which has faced mounting environmental challenges in recent years.
The announcement of Casablanca’s inclusion in C40 came in a statement from the Casablanca Municipality, which highlighted that the city’s formal membership would begin in January 2025. The decision was made following approval at a C40 Steering Committee meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2023. Casablanca now joins over 100 cities worldwide dedicated to tackling climate change through bold and innovative solutions. C40 is a global alliance that empowers cities to collaborate, share knowledge, and take joint action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build more resilient, sustainable urban environments.
Nabila Rmili, the President of the Casablanca Municipal Council, expressed pride in the city’s new role. She described the move as a reflection of Casablanca’s strong determination to transition into a greener, smarter, and more inclusive urban hub. “As the first city in the Maghreb to join C40, we are eager to learn from other cities and share our own experiences in addressing climate challenges,” Rmili said. “Our commitment to this global network represents a bold step forward in our journey toward a more sustainable future.”
Casablanca’s entry into C40 is not just symbolic—it reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to address sustainability and climate change. The municipality has already made significant strides in creating a greener urban landscape, with major initiatives such as expanding green spaces, investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, and implementing smart transportation systems. Additionally, the city has focused on improving water resource management and enhancing its ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
The Casablanca Municipality noted that joining C40 will provide the city with invaluable support in integrating climate goals into urban planning, urban resilience, and environmental policies. Through its membership, the city will have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most forward-thinking cities in the world and to exchange best practices in climate action. These cities, which include global leaders in sustainability such as New York, London, and Copenhagen, have been pioneering innovative solutions to mitigate climate change and promote environmental equity.
With a global membership representing over 700 million people and accounting for a quarter of the world’s economy, C40 is a powerful coalition of cities that are shaping the future of climate governance. By joining C40, Casablanca is not only elevating its role as a leader in the Arab world and Africa but is also reinforcing its position as a critical player in global climate conversations.
The municipality has emphasized that this partnership with C40 is just the beginning of Casablanca’s long-term sustainability goals. The city aims to build on its existing projects and continue its efforts to address the unique environmental challenges faced by urban areas in North Africa. With climate change posing an increasing threat to the region, Casablanca’s proactive approach is poised to inspire other cities across the continent to take bold actions toward sustainability.
In conclusion, Casablanca’s membership in C40 marks a pivotal moment in the city’s environmental transformation. By joining a global network of cities committed to climate action, the city is not only positioning itself as a leader in North Africa but also contributing to a collective movement that seeks to address the most pressing issues of our time. As the world’s cities face unprecedented climate challenges, Casablanca’s decision to become part of the C40 group signals a new chapter in its journey toward a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future.