Rabat – The Moroccan people and the royal family mark Princess Lalla Hasna’s birthday every year on November 19. This year’s celebration again highlights her deep commitment to climate action and environmental education.
Princess Lalla Hasna places the environment at the center of her public engagements. She champions climate awareness in Morocco and also on the international stage. As President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, she leads many flagship initiatives. These programs link schools, cities, businesses, and coastal communities around shared ecological goals.
Her birthday therefore offers more than a personal celebration. It also renews recognition of a sustained, long-term commitment to “living heritage” and sustainable development.
International environmental and ocean diplomacy
In recent months, Princess Lalla Hasna’s agenda illustrated this multifaceted role with particular clarity.
In October, she traveled to Abu Dhabi as guest of honor. She attended the World Conservation Congress organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
At the opening ceremony, she delivered a keynote address. She stressed that King Mohammed VI made environmental protection a clear national priority. She explained that the Mohammed VI Foundation translates this Royal Vision into concrete, measurable actions. She highlighted that each project follows scientific indicators and long-term partnerships.
After the session, Princess Lalla Hasna met Dr. Sylvia Earle, the renowned oceanographer. They discussed ocean conservation, marine biodiversity, and the importance of public engagement.
She then visited several stands at the congress. She stopped at the United Arab Emirates pavilion, the IUCN space, and the Africa area.
Later the same day, she attended a reception in Abu Dhabi. The event welcomed high-level participants attending the World Conservation Congress.
Earlier, in June, Princess Lalla Hasna represented King Mohammed VI in Nice. She attended the United Nations’ third Ocean Conference, alongside world leaders and experts.
President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron hosted an official dinner. Princess Lalla Hasna joined heads of state and government for that gathering.
The following day, she took part in the conference sessions in Nice. She then co-chaired the “Africa for the Ocean” summit with President Macron. The meeting took place at the historic Palace of the Kings of Sardinia. It focused on African coastal challenges, blue economy opportunities, and shared scientific efforts.
Afterwards, she attended the “For a Connected Mediterranean” summit in Nice. European, Mediterranean, and Gulf leaders participated, along with regional and international organizations.
These engagements underscored her growing diplomatic role in ocean and climate governance.
Culture, heritage, and social engagement
On the cultural front, Princess Lalla Hasna has also maintained a strong presence.
On May 16, she chaired the opening of the 28th Fez Festival of World Sacred Music. The ceremony unfolded at Bab Makina under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI.
The 2025 edition carried the theme “Rebirths,” evoking renewal and spiritual resilience. Artists and audiences gathered from Morocco and abroad for concerts and dialogue. The day before, she chaired the first board meeting of the Royal Theatre Foundation, which took place at the Royal Theatre in Rabat.
First Lady Brigitte Macron joined her for that institutional milestone. The foundation aims to position Rabat as a major cultural capital.
In early May, Princess Lalla Hasna visited Azerbaijan. She traveled there as President of the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Rabat’s Cultural Heritage. In Baku, she toured the International Carpet Festival. The event honored Azerbaijan’s rich textile traditions and master artisans. The next day, she visited the Alley of Honor and laid a wreath. She paid tribute at the tomb of national leader Heydar Aliyev.
She then met First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Their discussions focused on heritage preservation, women’s leadership, and cultural cooperation.
On May 6, Princess Lalla Hasna opened a digital exhibition in Baku. The show, “Rabat Carpet, a Weave of Arts,” celebrated a key Moroccan craft.
She toured the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum with Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva. Together, they highlighted the parallels between Moroccan and Azerbaijani textile traditions. That same day, she visited the International Mugham Center. The institution preserves the Mugham musical art, inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list.
The following day, Princess Lalla Hasna visited educational complex 132–134 in Baku. The visit formed part of a twinning program with Rabat middle schools. Afterwards, she hosted a tea reception for Azerbaijani women. Guests came from the fields of culture, arts, and creativity.
Earlier in the year, she also supported diplomatic solidarity in Rabat. On January 24, Princess Lalla Hasna chaired the annual Diplomatic Charity Dinner.
The French Embassy and the Diplomatic Foundation organized the fundraising evening. The event brought together ambassadors, business leaders, and cultural figures. It strengthened links between the diplomatic corps and Moroccan civil society.
Cultural diplomacy with Qatar and the Gulf
Her efforts continued beyond Morocco’s borders during the Qatar–Morocco 2024 cultural year.
On December 4 of last year, she co-chaired a caftan fashion show in Doha. She shared the stage with Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani. The event took place at “Dar Morocco” and honored traditional Moroccan dress. Designers presented caftans that combined heritage techniques and contemporary silhouettes.
Later that day, the two leaders hosted a dinner at the Museum of Islamic Art. They welcomed guests of the caftan event and cultural partners.
On December 17, Princess Lalla Hasna returned to Al Shaqa.
