Even if it is not part of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), culture remains transversally present in all the SDGs, said Rhlalou during a session she chaired under the theme "Local cultural policies and sustainable development: threats and opportunities in African intermediate cities", as part of the 9th edition of the Africities Summit (Kisumu 17-21 May).

The work done in recent years reflects the importance of the cultural issue for the mayor of Rabat, which ensures the involvement of civil society and various ministerial departments while applying a multi-dimensional partnership, she noted, recalling that the capital of the Kingdom is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO since 2012.

The city of Rabat is able to embrace modernity while preserving and enhancing its authenticity, said Rhlalou, highlighting the considerable efforts to protect and enhance the architectural, urban, landscape, social and cultural heritage with universal dimension.

In this sense, she called for including in policies, programs and urban and regional development plans buildings, sites, and landscapes of cultural value, and ensure their protection.