By Farah Kinani Washington – 02/01/07

Moroccan blogger Manal Benkirane believes that changes and development depend on young people getting involved in their country’s social and political life. Author of the popular blog, "Carpe Diem", Benkirane has just returned from a week-long programme for young leaders.

Manal Benkirane wants Morocco's youth to become more active in civil society.

Moroccan blogger Manal Benkirane has taken part in a week-long UN training programme for young leaders. The author of the popular blog, "Carpe Diem" talks to Magharebia about the politicisation of religion and the role young people can play in shaping the future of their countries.

Magharebia: You’ve been to Jordan as part of a programme for young people and their relationships with religion. Could you tell us more about it?

Manal Benkirane: I participated in a week's training organised by the UN in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation. The training looked at the theme of young leaders, the politicisation of religion and the future of democracy in the Arab world. I found the topic interesting and I wanted to contribute.

The sessions mostly took the form of lectures given by eminent teachers from a variety of backgrounds. From Wisconsin to Ramallah, via Amman and Tunis, Tel Aviv and Nairobi, the teachers were there to interact with the participants. The discussions in workshops were rounded off with the production of general recommendations on conflict resolution.

Magharebia: What were your conclusions after meeting so many young people with this shared interest?

Benkirane: Before going to Jordan, I was aware of the problems faced by our world. But after participating in the training, I realised that the conflicts and tensions reach their full height in Middle East. The killing is in the name of religions and messages from God. Since when has religion required women and children to be killed? Is that the politicisation of religion -- to kill and subjugate in the name of God? Taking part in training like this has given me the opportunity to hear other points of view.

Magharebia: You also took part in a programme in Denmark after the controversy over the Prophet Mohamed cartoons. What can you tell us about this?

Benkirane: The experience in Denmark was different. Our role as young Muslims from ten countries was to show that Islam is not a religion of violence. We spent a week with young Danes who knew nothing about Islam. For them, to be Muslim was to be a potential terrorist. That's wrong. In all religions, there are extremists.

After "Next Stop Denmark", several weeks of discussion were held in Syria, Egypt and Iran between Danes and Muslims. Morocco is expected to be at the next stage of the meetings.

Magharebia: What makes you interested in religion?

Benkirane: Religion is at the heart of all discussions. Muslims must understand why there is so much hatred against their religion. Every Muslim must also present an alternative image to that of violence. We need to take the initiative. Being interested in religion is not a choice. It’s an interest dictated by the situations in which we live. There is no need to be a theologian to feel concerned; you just have to be a Muslim to find yourself at the heart of the discussions.

The rise of Islamist movements throughout the world is an intriguing phenomenon. What motivates these groups? Is it the power of religious discourse, or is it the success of the politicisation of Islam? I ask myself so many questions, and participating in this kind of meeting helps me deepen my understanding.

Magharebia: Do you think young Moroccans should be more active in civil society?

Benkirane: Young people make up 30% of Morocco's population. Their involvement in the civil society is necessary. We can change things around us. Ghandi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world". If we want to change our society, we must organise ourselves. But the involvement of young people is not enough. Adults should show confidence in them. We must learn how to capitalise on young people’s energy and desire to change things. Unfortunately very few adults do.