The Phosboucraa Foundation put on the fifth Crans Montana Forum held in Dakhla from March 14 to 17 with the goal of galvanizing the Forum by opening it to the local business ecosystem through various initiatives.
The Phosboucraa Foundation set the bar very high for its fifth year at the Forum. This year, its participation was even more strategic, in favor of opening up to the local business ecosystem and involving local communities in the Forum. As a result, the Crans Montana Forum’s thousands of attendees not only learned about the Foundation’s activities in the region, but some also shared how the Foundation worked to actively involve local communities in the Crans Montana event. 

A stronger presence and a more innovative structure 

In an exhibition space of 109 m2, the Phosboucraa Foundation enriched its contribution by inviting about twenty of its young beneficiaries to participate. They came to the Crans Montana Forum in Dakhla to share their experiences, outline their projects, and even present and market their products.  Whether from Laayoune or Dakhla, the beneficiaries and local stakeholders invited by the Foundation proved to be the best presenters and ambassadors for its activities, particularly those related to youth skill building, developing entrepreneurship, and empowering women, which were the subjects of this year’s forum. 

The commercial space for young entrepreneurs, who were supported by the Foundation, attracted a large number of visitors and buyers.  The 100% Saharawi products, such as Soudassi quinoa couscous, a new product from the region developed by the Phosboucraa Foundation, was very successful, as were the soaps made from desert plants. 
The exhibition area was further enlivened this year with the Lumières du Sud (southern lights) photo exhibition by Laayoune Learning Center beneficiaries. This cultural touch was added this year to promote the region’s young talent and showcase the local culture’s potential.

Organization of a workshop on digital technology at the Dakhla Learning Center in partnership with Crans Montana 
Now a key part of the Forum’s program, the Dakhla Learning Center tour was attended by many influential people and the media. New for this year: a workshop on digital technology for the Center’s beneficiaries, led by a Forum speaker. It provided an additional way to open the Forum to the inhabitants of Dakhla and provide them with tangible benefits from South-South Cooperation efforts. 
Nomination of Center youths for the New Leaders Award 
The Forum concluded with the nomination of five young beneficiaries from the Laayoune and Dakhla Learning Centers for the New Leaders of Tomorrow Award. This was an exceptional opportunity for these young people to strengthen their regional and international networks and a great boost to motivate them to carry the torch after the Crans Montana Forum.