AGP Executive Report

UN Decolonization & Western Sahara: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Resolution 2797 and Security Council-led talks now make the issue “anachronistic,” with Rabat pointing to its autonomy plan as the only credible basis. Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: France’s new ambassador to Rabat, Philippe Lalliot, formally began his post, signaling a push to reset ties after earlier visa and dialogue freezes—while the Sahara remains a key factor in the strategic agenda. Regional Tech & Research Links (Bridge to Africa): Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers and institutions to plan cooperation on sustainable development, health, energy use, and education. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day with ceremonies and medal announcements, underscoring how UN missions support local ceasefires and protect displaced communities. Abraham Accords Debate: Multiple commentaries revisit how Trump is pressing Middle East partners to join the Abraham Accords as part of any US-Iran deal—raising fresh questions about regional trust and the role of normalization in broader security.

Sahara Diplomacy Shift: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel (C24) that the Western Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has moved the dispute toward a settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. France–Rabat Reset: Paris and Rabat signaled a new strategic phase as France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot formally took up his post, with the Sahara factor framed as part of a broader bilateral roadmap. Gulf–Morocco Investment Angle: A report highlights how Gulf states’ support and investment—plus consulates opened in Laayoune and Dakhla—are presented as consolidating Morocco’s role as a gateway to Atlantic Africa. Regional Tech/Education Link: The University of Tifariti joined the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to build research and sustainable-development cooperation between African and Canary universities. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day, with ceremonies honoring Nepali personnel and underscoring UN missions’ role in protecting civilians and enabling local peace deals. Abraham Accords Debate: Multiple commentaries argue Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords is driven by political needs and faces a Middle East that no longer trusts the US.

Desertification Watch: A new UN report says more than three-quarters of the world’s land has become permanently drier since 1996, with the Sahara expanding by about a million square kilometres over the past century—pushing south into Sahel drylands. Diplomatic Shift (France–Morocco): France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot formally starts an ambitious roadmap after years of strained ties, with the “Sahara factor” framed as central to reshaping regional balance. UN Decolonization Update: Morocco tells the UN C24 that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has moved the process toward a settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Africa Research Link: Tifariti’s University joins the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to build joint strategies across research, environment, education, and sustainable development. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marks UN Peacekeepers Day, highlighting Nepali personnel honored for service and sacrifice, as UN missions continue supporting local ceasefires and aid delivery. Regional Accords Debate: Commentary and analysis continue around the Abraham Accords—some argue they’re a strategic diversion rather than a path to peace, while others question why Israel-focused boycotts dominate global attention.

Desertification & Climate Risk: A new UN-linked report warns that more than three-quarters of the world’s land has become permanently drier since 1996, with the Sahara expanding by about a million square kilometres over the past century—pushing further into the Sahel and threatening dryland communities. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council changes and Resolution 2797 shift the process toward a settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Morocco–Gulf Tech & Investment Links: Coverage highlights how Gulf states’ investment and support—plus consulates opened in Laayoune and Dakhla—are framed as strengthening Morocco’s role as a gateway to Atlantic Africa. Academia & Research Exchange: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers and policymakers on sustainable development, health, energy, and education. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day, while another report points to how UN missions can stabilize border towns and help displaced families return home.

Desertification Watch: A new UN-linked analysis warns the Sahara is expanding fast, with drylands spreading and the Sahel facing growing pressure as desertification advances southward. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: A UN peacekeeping feature highlights how Minusca’s local base in CAR helped broker a peace deal and return nearly all displaced families after Sudan spillover tensions. Morocco–UN Decolonization: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Western Sahara “Sahara file” should be dropped from the decolonization agenda, arguing Security Council moves now anchor talks around Rabat’s autonomy plan. Gulf–Morocco Tech & Investment Angle: Coverage notes Gulf support since 2020, including consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla, framing Laayoune as a hub for infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and energy cooperation. Franco-Moroccan Treaty: A report says Rabat and Paris are moving toward a major 2026 treaty under a “Partnership of Excellence,” aiming to deepen cooperation in education, high tech, health, and security. Abraham Accords Backlash: Multiple commentaries and reports say Trump is pushing more Middle East states to normalise with Israel, while Pakistan and others reject the idea—raising new uncertainty for regional diplomacy. Africa Academic Links: The “Bridge to Africa” program opened at the University of Las Palmas, with a delegation from Tifariti, focusing on research, environment, green economy, and sustainable development.

UN Peacekeeping & Climate Context: Nepal marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers with ceremonies in Kavrepalanchok, highlighting Nepali troops honoured after deaths in missions abroad, while a separate global piece warns desertification is pushing the Sahara southward and making drylands “permanently drier,” with UN data pointing to major land loss across the last century. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 shifts the process toward a settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Regional Tech/Academia Link: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to boost university cooperation on research, environment, green economy, and sustainable development. Middle East Normalisation Pressure: Multiple reports revisit the Abraham Accords debate, including Trump’s push for more Middle Eastern states to normalise with Israel amid Iran talks, plus Pakistan’s rejection of joining any accord without a Palestinian state.

UN Decolonization Update: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward a political settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Regional Tech & Investment Link: A new Morocco–Gulf partnership push highlights Gulf investment in infrastructure, tourism, logistics, and energy, with support since 2020 for Morocco’s autonomy approach and consulates opening in Laayoune and Dakhla. Science & Environment Lens: A new report warns desertification is accelerating, saying the Sahara has expanded by about a million square kilometres over the last century and is pushing south into the Sahel—raising stakes for climate resilience and land management. Academic Exchange: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to build research and sustainable-development cooperation between African universities and the Canaries. Global Space for Collectors: University Archives’ June 17 online auction spotlights rare signed science and history items, including a Nature offprint signed by Francis Crick and meteorite lots.

Desertification Watch: A new UN-linked analysis warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with over three-quarters of land reported as “permanently drier” since 1996—raising fresh alarms for the Sahel and nearby ecosystems. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel (C24) to drop the “Sahara file,” arguing Security Council changes and Resolution 2797 shift the process toward talks centered on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Regional Politics & Tech Links: A University of Tifariti delegation joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focusing on research, environment, education, and sustainable development partnerships. Africa Day Policy Push: African Union leaders marked Africa Day with calls for economic sovereignty, stronger political influence, and UN Security Council reform. Geopolitics Spillover: Multiple commentaries revisit Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords amid Middle East skepticism, with Pakistan publicly rejecting any move that conflicts with its stance on Israel and a Palestinian state.

Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study using solar and wind finds Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra can produce green hydrogen at lower costs than northern regions—Dakhla at about $5.42/kg and Laayoune at about $5.57/kg, with solar-heavy energy mixes driving the advantage. Space & Minerals: A rare lunar rock (446g) reportedly found in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is set for auction in London, with experts suggesting it may originate from ancient lunar highlands. UN Decolonization Politics: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel (C24) that the Western Sahara “file” should be dropped from its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken the lead after Resolution 2797 and that Rabat’s autonomy plan is the only credible basis for settlement. Africa Day Tech-Policy Angle: African Union leaders marked Africa Day with renewed calls for economic sovereignty, UN Security Council reform, and stronger climate, food security, and sustainable development action. Regional Diplomacy Noise: Multiple reports revisit Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords, while Pakistan rejects joining and critics question the strategy’s timing and credibility.

UN Decolonization Clash: Morocco told the UN C24 committee that the Western Sahara “file” should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 shifts the track toward a political settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study says Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra can produce green hydrogen at lower costs than northern regions, with Dakhla at about $5.42/kg and Laayoune at about $5.57/kg. Space Science & Heritage: A 446-gram lunar rock found in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is set for auction in London after expert analysis suggests it may come from ancient lunar highlands. Academic Links for Development: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focusing on research, sustainable development, health, energy, and education cooperation. Sahrawi Rights Conference: An international conference in Ireland, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” marked 50 years since the occupation and called for self-determination and independence. Africa Day Policy Push: African leaders used Africa Day to press for stronger political influence and economic sovereignty, including reform of the UN Security Council for permanent African seats.

Green Hydrogen Economics (Morocco/Sahara): A new techno-economic study in ScienceDirect says Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra can produce green hydrogen at lower costs than northern regions—$5.42/kg in Dakhla and $5.57/kg in Laayoune—driven by solar-heavy energy mixes. Space Science & Heritage (Western Sahara): A rare 446-gram moon rock reportedly found in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is set for auction in London, after University of Edinburgh research helped identify its likely lunar origin. Academic Links (Tifariti/Canary Islands): The University of Tifariti joined the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers on sustainable development, health, energy, and education. Sahrawi Rights & Research (Ireland): An international conference at University College Cork, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” marks 50 years since occupation and focuses on Sahrawi self-determination. Security & Tech Policy (South Africa): A budget-vote address highlights how cyber threats and technological disruption are reshaping intelligence priorities. Diplomacy Watch (Abraham Accords): Multiple reports track Trump’s push for more Middle East states to join the Abraham Accords, with Pakistan publicly rejecting any deal that conflicts with its stance on Israel and a Palestinian state.

Green Hydrogen Economics (Western Sahara): A new techno-economic study finds Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab ($5.42/kg) and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra ($5.57/kg) deliver notably lower green hydrogen costs than northern sites like Tangier and Oujda, with solar-heavy energy mixes driving the advantage. Science & Education Exchange: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers and policymakers to plan joint work on sustainable development, energy, health, and education. Lunar Science Meets Auctions: A rare moon rock fragment (446g) linked to Morocco’s Western Sahara is set for auction in London, with an Edinburgh professor saying it may come from the Moon’s ancient far-side highlands. Education, Science & Innovation (AU): Morocco’s education leadership took part in an African Union Specialized Technical Committee bureau meeting focused on education, science, technology, and innovation. Sahrawi Rights & Culture: An international conference in Ireland, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” highlighted Sahrawi suffering and the push for self-determination and independence. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Morocco and France’s “Partnership of Excellence” treaty push was framed as a long-term cooperation roadmap spanning education, high technology, health, and security.

Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study flags Morocco’s southern regions as the cheapest places to make solar-and-wind green hydrogen, with Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab at about $5.42/kg and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra at about $5.57/kg, beating northern sites like Tangier and Oujda. Space Science & Heritage: A rare lunar rock fragment tied to a 2022 discovery in Morocco’s Western Sahara is set for auction in London, with a Scottish professor saying it may come from the Moon’s ancient far-side highlands. Academic Cooperation: Tifariti’s University delegation joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focusing on research, sustainable development, and university-to-university collaboration. Education, Science & Innovation: Morocco’s education minister took part in the AU Specialized Technical Committee bureau meeting on Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, in preparation for the next STC-EST session. Desertification Watch: A report warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with UN data saying more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since 1996. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco and France move ahead with a “Partnership of Excellence” treaty, while UNESCO tensions with Algeria continue over cultural-heritage disputes. Politics & Tech Policy: Separate coverage highlights Africa Day calls for economic sovereignty and UN Security Council reform.

Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study says Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab ($5.42/kg) and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra ($5.57/kg) can produce green hydrogen cheaper than northern regions, with solar-heavy energy mixes driving the cost advantage. Lunar Science & Local Discovery: A “dark side” moon rock found in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is being carved and auctioned in Lyon & Turnbull’s sale in Paris, with experts linking it to ancient far-side lunar highlands. Education, Science & Innovation: Morocco’s education minister joined an African Union Specialized Technical Committee bureau meeting on education, science, technology and innovation, feeding into preparations for STC-EST VI. Sahrawi Rights & Research Events: An international conference in Ireland, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” brings together researchers and artists to spotlight Sahrawi suffering and self-determination. Desertification Watch: A report highlights how the Sahara is expanding southward, with UN data warning that drylands are getting permanently drier—raising stakes for the Sahel and nearby communities. Franco-Moroccan Treaty: France and Morocco move toward a major 2026 bilateral treaty, framed around deepening cooperation and support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Security & Tech Policy: Budget and policy remarks from South Africa’s State Security Agency focus on cyber threats and faster-evolving risks, underscoring how intelligence work is shifting toward tech-driven foresight. Diplomacy Shockwaves: Coverage of Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords keeps returning to the same friction point—more normalization demands are colliding with regional distrust and political constraints.

Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study finds Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra can produce green hydrogen at lower costs than northern regions—$5.42/kg in Dakhla and $5.57/kg in Laayoune, versus $6.86/kg (Tangier) and $7.24/kg (Oujda). Lunar Science & Heritage Trade: A 446-gram moon rock fragment discovered in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is set for auction in London today, with research suggesting it may come from the Moon’s far-side highlands. Education, Science & Innovation (AU): Morocco’s education and science officials took part in African Union Specialized Technical Committee work on Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, feeding into preparations for STC-EST VI. Sahrawi Self-Determination Conference: An international conference in Ireland, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” marks 50 years since the occupation and spotlights Sahrawi rights to self-determination. Desertification Warning: A global report highlights the Sahara’s southward advance and rising dryness across drylands, underscoring climate pressure on the Sahel and surrounding regions.

Green Hydrogen Economics (Laayoune/Dakhla): A new techno-economic study in ScienceDirect says Morocco’s southern regions—Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab ($5.42/kg) and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra ($5.57/kg)—beat northern areas like Tangier ($6.86/kg) and Oujda ($7.24/kg), with Laayoune relying more on solar (70.3%) than wind. Lunar Science & Heritage (Western Sahara): A 446g moon-rock fragment linked to a 2022 discovery in Morocco’s Western Sahara is set for auction in London on May 28, with University of Edinburgh research suggesting it may come from ancient lunar highlands. Sahrawi Self-Determination (Conference): An international conference in Ireland, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” marks 50 years since the occupation and focuses on Sahrawi rights, humanitarian realities, and cultural heritage. Education/Science Policy (AU): Morocco’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training joined an African Union Specialized Technical Committee bureau meeting on Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, feeding into STC-EST VI preparations. Humanitarian Tech (WFP): WFP highlights how digital tools like iris-scan cash transfers (Building Blocks) and hydroponics are being used to push toward zero hunger. Security/Tech Governance (Budget Speech): South Africa’s intelligence budget vote address stresses faster-evolving threats, cyber risk, and the need to turn information into strategic insight.