As delivered
Ambassador Bush
Draft Remarks
Visit to Ibn Tofail University
Ibn Tofail University campus
April 20, 2016
President Midaoui, faculty members and most importantly all of the students here today, good morning!
I have heard such wonderful things about Ibn Tofail University for some time now, and I am so happy that today I have the opportunity to see all that this institution has to offer.
I have had the pleasure of serving in Morocco for 2 years now, and I am always delighted to speak with bright and ambitious young students like you.
Each of you has worked hard to earn a spot here at one of Morocco’s prestigious universities, and your dedication to success is reflected in the growth of this vibrant academic community in the heart of Kenitra.
Some of Morocco’s most knowledgeable professors and faculty members come to work on this beautiful campus every day, and it is with their guidance that has allowed so many students here to perform cutting-edge scientific research in many fields, ranging from biology and neuroscience to environment and renewable energy.
The resources available to you on campus and within the city of Kenitra are rapidly increasing in both quality and quantity. With the university as its backbone, Kenitra is now viewed as an important investment opportunity for national and international businesses and corporations.
There are so many impressive aspects of Ibn Tofail University, but I am particularly excited by the commitment to career development and the employment services provided right here on campus that help you chart your career path.
We live in an interconnected world with a global economy, and it is intelligent, ambitious young people like you who will continue to grow Morocco’s economy. And I am confident that the knowledge and skills that you gain from this institution will prepare you to take full advantage of Morocco’s prosperity as a nation.
Morocco is a powerful player on the international stage, and I am proud to say that the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Morocco has never been stronger. I believe that the reason for this is that the challenges facing each of our countries are in many ways quite similar.
These challenges are diverse. We need to maintain competitiveness through a highly skilled workforce. We must protect citizens from negative social influences, like drugs, gangs and radicalization, that destroy the fabric of communities.
At the same time, both the U.S. and Morocco need to find new sustainable energy sources that will help us reduce climate change.
Most importantly, we must ensure a brighter future for our youth through sustained investment in education.
These are just some of the common challenges that Morocco, the United States and the entire global community must address in the years ahead.
As the next generation of leaders, you and your peers around the world are the ones who are going to shape the future. We are relying on you to find solutions to the myriad of global challenges that we face.
I encourage you to keep an open mind and continue your pursuit of knowledge not just in your chosen fields, but also about the issues, governments and people affecting our world every day.
I wish you the best as you continue on your academic journey and I am confident that through hard work and commitment, you will enjoy success in higher education and throughout your careers.
I would like to thank you again for having me here today and I look forward to all that you will achieve in the future.
Shukran
