Morocco urges unified global action to tackle social development challenges

Morocco has called for a unified global vision to address pressing social development challenges, emphasizing collaboration and inclusion. Speaking at a high-level Arab regional meeting in Tunis, Morocco’s permanent ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, highlighted the need for innovative strategies that respect cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity.

A call for global unity

In a video address during the meeting’s closing session, Hilale stressed that a unified approach is essential to ensuring peace, prosperity, and social stability worldwide, including in Arab nations. The meeting, held in preparation for the Second World Summit on Social Development in Doha this November, focused on building consensus for a coordinated global response to social challenges.

Hilale emphasized that diversity should be seen as a driver of excellence while respecting regional and national priorities. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening emerging international consensus on a vision for social development that aligns with multilateral action goals.

Progress through cooperation

Negotiations for the summit’s political declaration, co-facilitated by Hilale and Belgium’s ambassador, are being conducted in an atmosphere of openness and inclusion. According to Hilale, these discussions aim to produce a concise declaration that prioritizes coordinated action to address global social development issues.

The outcomes of the Arab regional meeting are expected to bolster Arab engagement in the global summit and improve the chances of reaching agreement on key issues.

Key challenges discussed

The meeting featured thematic sessions on three critical topics: multi-dimensional poverty in the Arab world, the social and economic inclusion of vulnerable groups, and addressing social development in the context of armed conflicts and natural disasters. Participants stressed the need to modernize social policies, eliminate poverty, promote inclusion, and create decent job opportunities for all.

Drawing on commitments from the Copenhagen Summit, participants emphasized the importance of social participation, pooling efforts, and developing a unified Arab vision to tackle these challenges effectively.

Morocco’s contributions

Rachid Kadida, director of social development at Morocco’s Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, shared Morocco’s experience in fighting poverty. Kadida outlined Morocco’s investments in social protection, initiatives to empower vulnerable groups, and programs to strengthen social cohesion. He also highlighted advancements in care services and social inclusion.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a draft document outlining Arab priorities for the upcoming summit. Although participants postponed final approval to review proposed amendments, the document is expected to guide Arab nations’ positions during the global discussions in November.