The High Atlas Foundation was honored to take part in the Sustainable Development Study Day at Al Akhawayn University (AUI) in Ifrane, a dynamic gathering of organizations and young changemakers committed to building a better future. The day began with an engaging keynote panel where HAF joined representatives from Peace Corps, Idmaj, CorpsAfrica/Maroc, AUI’s Community Engagement Office, Azrou Center, and ANAPEC to reflect on what sustainable development means in the Moroccan and global context.

HAF’s contribution highlighted the power of community-led development rooted in participatory approaches. We shared how our programs promote women’s empowerment through the Imagine empowerment workshop, enabling women in rural areas to build self-confidence, define life goals, and become leaders in their communities. We also discussed HAF’s community tree-planting program that supports environmental sustainability, improves livelihoods, and contributes to long-term climate resilience. HAF’s engagement is in post-disaster recovery to youth engagement and green economy projects.

During the workshops, HAF facilitated a powerful empowerment workshop, highlighting the Imagine approach and the Growing Edge exercise. We explored how these tools support personal reflection, self-discovery, and growth encouraging individuals to recognize the areas in their lives where change is possible and needed. We also shared the real-life impact of the Imagine workshop on rural women in Morocco.

The event concluded with a forward-looking panel exploring the future of development, where collaboration, youth leadership, and inclusive strategies were highlighted as key to long-term impact.

We thank AUI and all the participants for creating a space of exchange, learning, inspiration, and collective action.