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Morocco extends women, peace, and security action plan through 2026
Morocco has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing women’s rights within the spheres of peace and security by extending its National Action Plan on the UN Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda until 2026. This move underlines the nation’s commitment to sustainable peace and gender equality.
The extension was announced during a high-profile event in New York, chaired by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Attendees included foreign ministers from multiple continents and UN Women’s Executive Director, Sima Bahous, further highlighting the global significance of this agenda.
Bourita emphasized that Morocco’s decision to prolong the plan reflects the belief that peace and inclusive development are unattainable without safeguarding women’s rights. His remarks coincided with key anniversaries, the 25th of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the 30th of the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights.
Consolidating progress through a two-year extension
The two-year extension aims to build on Morocco’s achievements while addressing emerging challenges. Central priorities include conflict prevention, protection from violence, enhanced female participation in security and defense, and robust legal protections for women and girls.
Morocco’s ranking as the ninth-largest contributor of UN troops, with over 3,400 personnel including 120 women underscores its active role in global peacekeeping. Nearly one-third of its peacekeeping experts are women, a figure achieved through reforms granting female officers access to advanced military training and leadership roles since 2013.
Domestically, the extension aligns with broader reforms. Morocco’s 2011 Constitution enshrines gender equality, while updates to the Family Code and related laws aim to protect women from violence and discrimination. Bourita highlighted these legal measures as essential to advancing the WPS agenda.
Strengthening international partnerships
Morocco has also focused on international cooperation in promoting women’s roles in peace and security, particularly with African and Atlantic partners. Bourita noted the growing adoption of National Action Plans worldwide, viewing these as opportunities for deeper collaboration.
Despite Morocco’s progress, significant challenges persist. Critics point to gaps in legal protections, unequal economic opportunities, and ongoing gender-based violence as barriers to meaningful change. While the WPS agenda has bolstered Morocco’s global reputation, addressing these structural issues at home remains crucial to ensuring real impact.