Meet the new LUCI President…
The City of Rabat was elected as the President of the LUCI network at its Annual General Meeting in April 2024. Ms Fatiha El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat, tells us more about her vision and the city involvement within the LUCI network.
Photo officielle de Mme Fatiha el Moudni, Maire de Rabat
Please tell us about the role of urban lighting in Rabat.
Thank you for this opportunity. At the Annual General Meeting of Montpellier, in April 2024, the City of Rabat was elected as the President of the LUCI network. This prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone for Rabat, reflecting the city’s commitment to urban lighting and sustainable development.
Urban lighting in Rabat is more than just a functional necessity; it is a strategic tool that enhances safety, promotes economic development, supports cultural heritage, improves quality of life, and drives sustainability. As Rabat continues to grow and modernize, urban lighting will remain a key component in shaping the city’s future and ensuring it remains a vibrant, safe, and attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Urban lighting plays a crucial role in the city of Rabat, influencing various aspects of urban life and development.
In your opinion, how is the role of lighting in African cities changing?
The role of lighting in African cities is evolving to meet contemporary challenges and opportunities. The focus is on creating safer, more sustainable, and vibrant urban environments through the adoption of advanced technologies and community-centric approaches.
As cities continue to grow and develop, lighting will play an increasingly integral role in shaping the urban landscape and improving the quality of life for residents. This role is undergoing significant transformation, driven by various factors such as technological advancements, urbanization, sustainability goals, and the recognition of lighting’s impact on quality of life.
Why did the City of Rabat take on the role of President of the LUCI network?
Rabat’s election as the President of the LUCI network is a testament to the city’s commitment to international cooperation and dedication to sustainability. With a clear vision and strategic goals, Rabat is honored to lead the way in transforming urban lighting practices on a global scale.
As Mayor of Rabat, I can share our vision and insights into the city’s involvement within the LUCI network. The city council of Rabat envisions the Moroccan capital as a leading example of how urban lighting can enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Our strategic focus includes:
- Sustainable Lighting Solutions: Prioritizing eco-friendly and energy-efficient lighting systems to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Using lighting to highlight Rabat’s rich cultural heritage, enhancing the beauty of historical sites while ensuring their preservation.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the planning and implementation of lighting projects to ensure they meet residents’ needs and preferences.
- Innovation and Technology: Integrating the latest technologies to create smart lighting systems that improve safety, reduce energy consumption, and provide dynamic lighting effects.
As the first African city to lead LUCI, what is the vision you would like to share with the network as President?
Rabat’s presidency of the LUCI network is a historic moment that symbolizes the growing influence and potential of African cities in the global urban landscape. With a vision centered on sustainability, safety, cultural preservation, community engagement, and innovation, the city council of Rabat aims to lead the network towards a more sustainable future.
By working together and leveraging all our unique experiences and strengths, we can inspire and guide other cities in creating vibrant, resilient, and inclusive urban environments.
Rabat has a unique opportunity to share a vision that reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of African cities while emphasizing universal values of sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
What is your long-term vision for LUCI?
The LUCI network is a global organization that brings together cities and lighting professionals to promote sustainable urban lighting. As the new President, Rabat’s involvement will focus on:
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating exchanges between member cities worldwide to share best practices, innovative ideas, and successful projects and highlighting ongoing projects that focus on energy efficiency, smart lighting technologies, and reducing light pollution.
- Research and Development: Supporting research initiatives to develop new lighting technologies and strategies that enhance sustainability of urban environments. Helping to implement new strategies, local policies and orientations for more sustainability in light field.
- Training and Capacity Building: Providing training programs for city officials and lighting professionals to build expertise in sustainable and effective urban lighting.
- Global Advocacy: Advocating for the importance of urban lighting in creating sustainable and livable cities on international platforms. Especially, we would like to foster a long-term relationship with LUCI and a leadership on urban lighting in the African continent.
We believe that LUCI should expand its network and open up to new cities all over the world, including Moroccan and African cities.
