Morocco highlights Africa’s voice at UN Charter anniversary celebrations

Saturday 27 June 2026 - 11:22

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco highlights Africa’s voice at UN Charter anniversary celebrations

Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Africa’s role within the international system during the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter in New York. Speaking on behalf of the African Group at the United Nations General Assembly, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, emphasized the continent’s determination to contribute to a more balanced and inclusive global order.

Addressing the General Assembly, Hilale recalled that many African nations had not yet achieved independence when the UN Charter was adopted. Nevertheless, he noted that the Charter’s principles of sovereign equality, peaceful cooperation, and respect for international law later became essential foundations for Africa’s decolonization and political development.

The Moroccan diplomat stressed that the Charter has provided African countries not only with a legal framework but also with the tools needed to promote peace, development, and international cooperation. He said African nations remain committed to these values while actively contributing to global governance.

Hilale highlighted Africa’s growing participation in international peacekeeping operations, diplomatic initiatives, and multilateral negotiations. He also pointed to the involvement of African legal experts in major international judicial institutions and the continent’s engagement in implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

During his address, the ambassador renewed Africa’s call for meaningful reform of the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council. He argued that the current composition of the Council no longer reflects today’s geopolitical realities, noting that Africa, despite representing more than one billion people and being central to many issues discussed by the Council, still lacks permanent representation.

Morocco reiterated the African Group’s long-standing position, based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, calling for a comprehensive reform that would address what African leaders describe as a historical imbalance in global governance.

The ambassador also urged member states to transform symbolic commitments into concrete action by advancing reforms of the international financial system, strengthening support for developing countries, and ensuring that the United Nations has sufficient resources to fulfill its mandates in peace, development, and human rights.

The commemorative session brought together senior UN officials and representatives from member states, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock.

In his remarks, Guterres reaffirmed that the principles of the UN Charter are universal and cannot be applied selectively. He stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty, international law, and humanitarian law while promoting diplomacy, solidarity, and sustainable development as essential pillars of global peace and stability.

Through its participation in the anniversary event, Morocco reaffirmed its support for multilateral cooperation and highlighted Africa’s growing contribution to shaping a more representative, effective, and inclusive international system.