In the eternal city of two continents - Istanbul, the Future Leaders Executive Program welcomed a distinguished guest, one of the most articulated ladies of Euro-MED world in decades: H.E. Hakima El Haite, (the first woman and non-European) President of the London-based Liberal International, former Environment Minister of Morocco. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of ethics, business, and politics, El Haite shared her invaluable insights on the relevance of environmental ethics principles in a successful political career.

Born in Fez, Morocco, Hakima El Haite, is a globally recognized leader in the fields of sustainable development, environment and climate change, a climate scientist, an entrepreneur, and a politician. Biology, microbiology, and ecotoxicology graduate, El Haite has two PhDs in environmental engineering and environmental studies as well as a political communication diploma. She is also a founder of EauGlobe, the first environmental engineering firm in Afro-MENA region.

While opening her highly anticipated talk, El Haite evoked the peculiarity of the Ukraine war, held at the backdoor of the oldest democracy in our world: Europe. She also passionately reminded the audience that there is no acceptable historical reason which can justify war and the human loss that it engenders. 

The Honourable Minister also reminded us that the Ukraine war is dangerously creating a precedent and setting an example for anarchy as well as food and energy scarcity, if we don’t respect the rule of law and the multilateral order – something eroding since 1990s.

Further in her talk, El Haite strongly denounced the lack of representation of the African continent during discussions even directly affecting African countries. She stated that the UN is a great tool, but Africa is not adequately represented, especially in the Security Council of the UN.

Very passionate in her campaign for a democratic, strong, free, and peaceful African continent, which uses its own resources instead of being exploited, El Haite reminded us how rich is the continent, holding 6 million m2 of arable lands, 80% of the world mineral reserves and 14% of the world’s oil reserves. Still recovering from 5 centuries of slavery and colonialism. “Africa is one of the richest continents where poor people live, where there is no infrastructure, while the continent can feed the world, still 25 million people dying every day”- she bitterly stated.

Drawing from her profoundly rich professional and personal journey, El Haite expressed her concerns about climate change. The world’s most endangered hotspots are the Sub-Saharan region in Africa, the Mediterranean, and the small island nations threatened by the constant increase of the sea level because of the ice melt. El Haite alarmed the audience on the 30% to 60% of the ice cap drop and the potential flooding in Europea and beyond.

Pointing on it, El Haite reflected on the need for changing the whole agriculture, building, transportation, and consumption system. She pointed out that even though 80% of the CO2 emissions are produced by the developed world, Africa will be increasing its emissions because everything still has to be built – hence the urgent need for the global differentiate responsibility.

El Haite recalled the discussions with the US on the objective of Zero Emissions, which was rejected in favor of Carbon Neutrality, balancing the heaviest emitters and the fewer emitters to achieve neutrality. The environment expert expressed her deep concern about the apparent urgency of climate change, shadowed by the constant crises the world is facing; , the pandemic, the war, and the inflation.

The entertaining and inspiring tit-for-tat exchange between the former Minister and the current Liberal International President, and the FLEP participants ended with an open exchanges, brain-storming, a search, and a quest for solutions, to live in a better world, and leave a nice healthy environment for future generations.

H.E. El Haite participation in the Future Leaders Executive Program provided an invaluable opportunity for emerging leaders to gain insights into the intersection of environmental ethics socio-economics and politics. Her vast experiences and wisdom shed light on the essential values and principles that can guide aspiring leaders on their path to success, ensuring a more inclusive, compassionate, and just future.

Summing up the day with the President of ICYF, Taha AYHAN (as a principal host to the event), Excellency El Haite concluded her talk by reminding the audience that “Nobody is safe until everybody is safe”, inviting everyone to reflect on the impact on nature, the one we cannot negotiate with.

The mesmerising ship of insights and wisdom gets a full swing sail once again in the Fall this year.   

Wissal Chokri is the IFIMES Information Officer at the UN Geneva, current postgraduate candidate and former University of Geneva political sciences fellow. Moved by a strong interest in political affairs, author is also an English and French interpreter in conferences.