HIBAPRESS
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, received on Monday in New York, the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, Omar Hilal, in his capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission.
During this meeting, Mr. Hilal informed the Secretary-General about the activities of the Moroccan presidency of the Commission, and informed him of the results of recent efforts made on the ground to consolidate peace. In this context, the Ambassador highlighted the positive impact that the Peacebuilding Commission has had over the years within the countries benefiting from its support, especially in Africa. He specifically addressed the tangible and concrete results of the Commission's work in the Central African Republic, which he had witnessed over the years, as Chair of the Central African Republic configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. He reiterated with conviction that no lasting peace can be built and sustained without the active and established involvement of the United Nations. Mr. Hilal also highlighted the importance of developing and financing projects, as well as the role of international financial institutions and their impact on crisis exit operations and consolidating peace, stressing that there is no development without peace, and no peace without development. He explained, in this context, that the Peacebuilding Commission seeks to expand its partnerships to enhance its work and improve all components of the beneficiary community, highlighting his meetings with officials of the World Bank, whom he invited to support the projects led by the Commission on the ground. The Ambassador invited Mr. Guterres to participate in two high-level events, which will be organized soon under the Moroccan presidency. The first event will be held during the annual session of the Peacebuilding Commission, on June 22, 2026, on the theme of "Partnerships for Consolidating Peace", which will coincide with the first International Week for Peacebuilding, and the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission. The second meeting, at the ministerial level, is scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. It will be chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Abroad, Nasser Bourita. In response, Mr. Guterres expressed his deep gratitude to Ambassador Hilal for these two invitations, describing the two events as a "priority on the UN agenda". He expressed his appreciation and admiration for the Kingdom's efforts, as well as its exemplary commitment to promoting peace, praising in particular the Moroccan presidency of the Central African Republic configuration within the Commission. Mr. Guterres noted that the work of the Peacebuilding Commission, given its tangible impact on the ground, enjoys broad support among member states, which demonstrates its legitimacy and importance as an indispensable tool in the UN peace architecture. The United Nations Secretary-General affirmed that the Peacebuilding Commission has played a decisive role in changing the situation in African countries affected by crises, and recognized the strategic value of this work for the stability of the continent. He witnessed the profound transformation of these countries, which he was able to personally observe, at all levels: development, health, agriculture, the financial sector, and strengthening government institutions. At the end of this meeting, the Secretary-General entrusted Ambassador Hilal with conveying "the highest expressions of respect" to His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
