Yossef Ben-Meir

Yosef Ben-Meir

Yossef Ben-Meir, Ph.D. is a sociologist and is also president of the High Atlas Foundation, based in Marrakech.Manon Burbidge is a post-graduate studying Human Ecology at Lund University, Sweden, and currently interning at the High Atlas Foundation.

Sustainable development requires community consensus

How can we achieve sustainable development, not just globally, but specifically in Morocco? We must first consider what the central features of this development are. We must incorporate many factors in creative and innovative design: education, gender, ethics, economics, politics, culture, history, geography, finance, and technical aspects in order for sustainable projects to have enduring success. We also need to employ a participatory approach. We have learned over time through trial and error and observation of how development assistance has been institutionalized in the past 70 years that participation and sustainability are inextricably linked. [Yossef Ben-Meir]

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Middle East, Yossef Ben-Meir

Jewish-Muslim partnership flourishes in Morocco

By Nicolas Pantelick MARRAKECH, Moroccoa — Meandering through the dusty foothills of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, I played an earnest game of speculation. I knew of my destination, its history and constitution, but had yet to see it or feel the restless potential it encapsulated. The gentle hum of the engine, propelling me past the

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International, Jewish History, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Yossef Ben-Meir

Global meetings weigh mass migration alternatives

By Yossef Ben-Meir and Manon Burbidge MARRAKECH, Morocco — December 2018 is gearing up to be a pivotal month for migration on the world stage, and the epicenter is here, in Marrakech, Morocco, with two high-level fora taking place concerning development and migration. However, in order for the discussions that take place at these conferences

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International, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Yossef Ben-Meir

2-prong policy needed to stem migrant flow to U.S.

By Alon Ben-Meir NEW YORK — To dramatically slow the flow of illegal immigration and even end it does not rest on building walls or sending troops to the border, or by heartlessly snatching children from their mothers’ arms, or by incarceration, deportation, or prosecution. A big part of the answer lies in economic development,

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Alon Ben-Meir, International, USA, Yossef Ben-Meir

Outside countries should help Egypt’s economy

By Alon Ben-Meir NEW YORK — The re-election of Egypt’s President Sisi came as no surprise. Despite irregularities at some polling stations, President Sisi won handily because he remains the most popular president, and perhaps for good reason. A clear majority of Egyptians feel that unlike any of his predecessors, Sisi is dedicated to improving

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Alon Ben-Meir, International, Middle East, USA, Yossef Ben-Meir

Moroccan Jewish community promotes interfaith harmony via development projects

By Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir MARRAKECH, Morocco — In the Kingdom of Morocco, there are a number of sustainable development programs and policies that display innovation and promote social solidarity.  These participatory democratic initiatives are designed to catalyze people’s development that meet multiple human needs at the same time. For example, the Municipal Charter of the

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International, Middle East, Yossef Ben-Meir