Moroccan Diplomacy Showcases Southern Regions' Growth
A significant diplomatic engagement is underway as Morocco actively participates in the Caribbean regional conference of the United Nations' Committee of 24 (C-24) held in Managua, Nicaragua. This event, taking place from May 25 to 27, 2026, features a robust Moroccan delegation led by Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco's permanent representative to the UN. Accompanying him are officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with elected representatives from the southern regions of Morocco, namely Laayoune and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, who are attending for the eighth consecutive year at the invitation of the committee's presidency.
The conference is themed 'Progress Achieved, Renewed Commitments, Partnerships, and Innovative Approaches,' aligning with the work of the Special Committee on Decolonization. It focuses on discussing the situations of non-self-governing territories included in the UN agenda, with recommendations and conclusions from the sessions set to be forwarded to the upcoming substantive session of the Special Committee in June before being presented to the United Nations General Assembly.
Promoting Sustainable Development in Southern Morocco
During the conference, the Moroccan delegation is shedding light on the dynamic development taking place in the southern regions of the kingdom. They are highlighting major projects launched in recent years, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, blue economy, port investments, and logistics connectivity. Additionally, various social programs aimed at enhancing human development indicators and improving the region's economic and investment attractiveness are being showcased. This effort is part of the new development model for the southern regions initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2015.
The participation of Sahrawi elected officials in international forums exemplifies the 'legitimate representation' of the Moroccan Sahara's population, countering the separatist narratives propagated by the Polisario Front with support from Algeria. Morocco aims to illustrate the economic and social transformations occurring in the southern regions and link them to the stability and development trajectory witnessed in the area in recent years. Furthermore, Moroccan diplomacy asserts that the autonomy initiative proposed by Rabat in 2007 is receiving increasing international support as a serious, realistic, and credible solution to the regional dispute.
Ambassador Omar Hilale's activities at the United Nations are closely monitored, given his roles as Morocco's permanent representative and as the chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission. Over recent years, he has led various initiatives related to peace, development, and multilateral cooperation, while Morocco strives to enhance its presence within UN institutions and consolidate its political and developmental approach to the Sahara issue across different international forums.
It's noteworthy that the 24th Committee of the United Nations comprises several countries from various continents, including China, Russia, India, Indonesia, Cuba, Venezuela, Tunisia, Syria, and Ethiopia, alongside nations from the Caribbean region. This UN body continues to hold annual regional seminars to monitor issues related to decolonization and developments in the territories under its mandate.
As reported by hespress.com.
