In his discourse, Moroccan academic Mohammed Nour al-Din Afaya advocates for a shift in focus towards investing in human development as a crucial step towards societal renaissance. He has built his intellectual project around the concept of critique, engaging in philosophical and aesthetic criticism since his university studies. Afaya's work reflects a deep interest in the fields of identity, statehood, public space, creativity, and aesthetic thought, particularly in cinema and image culture, where he has produced significant scholarly contributions.

Afaya's emphasis on the necessity of critical thinking arises from his belief that it plays a vital role in the context of intellectual, theoretical, cultural, and political production. Being recently appointed as a permanent member of the Royal Academy of Morocco, the highest intellectual body in the country, is a testament to his contributions. He argues that critical thinking deserves recognition and function only when it claims an appropriate space within intellectual production, underpinning the importance of a robust intellectual environment for societal progress.

Additionally, Afaya's philosophy suggests that without a solid foundation in critical engagement and investment in human values, any societal renaissance would be incomplete. His call to action represents a broader challenge for contemporary Moroccan society to prioritize human development and critical discourse as fundamental elements in fostering a meaningful renaissance that transcends mere superficial progress.