Morocco presented its smart city strategy on Thursday in Strasbourg, France, as officials and youth delegates discussed artificial intelligence and local governance during a session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported. At a plenary session dedicated to AI, Moroccan delegate Mohammed Amine El Guermat addressed the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe dedicated to AI. The delegate said Morocco uses technology to modernize local governance and expand access to public services. He pointed to smart city projects underway in major urban areas, including Rabat and Casablanca. El Guermat cited the “Rabat Smart and Sustainable City” project as a concrete example of Morocco’s digital transition. He said the initiative reflects national efforts to integrate innovation into urban planning and public administration. “Innovation alone does not ensure inclusive outcomes,” the delegate noted. Without training, oversight, and full implementation, digital policies may benefit highly connected groups while excluding vulnerable populations, El Guermat added. Speaking on behalf of youth delegates, he said many cities and regions lack readiness to manage complex digital transitions. He cited limited training, tight budgets, and outdated infrastructure as key constraints for local authorities. These limitations risk leaving large segments of the population behind as governments expand digital services, he added. During his comments, the delegate called for measures to protect access for older adults, rural communities, and people with disabilities. He said digital transformation must align with human rights, democratic governance, and the rule of law. AI should serve people rather than replace human-centered decision-making, he explained. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities runs a youth delegate program that brings younger participants into institutional discussions. Youth delegates take part in debates, committee work, and policy exchanges along with elected representatives. They