Morocco's Commitment to Coexistence Highlighted by Ambassador Hilale

Thursday 20 June 2024 - 10:00

Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a compelling address at a prestigious event in New York, emphasizing Morocco's dedication to fostering tolerance and harmony. The event, co-hosted by Morocco's UN Mission and the UN Office on Genocide Prevention, marked the 3rd International Day for Combating Hate Speech, an initiative championed by Morocco at the UN in July 2021.

Ambassador Hilale underscored Morocco's resolute stance against hate speech and its commitment to promoting coexistence, refraining from the use of derogatory terms. He praised King Mohammed VI's leadership in advocating for tolerance and combating intolerance, particularly highlighting the role of Moroccan youth in the nation's development strategies.

"His Majesty the King has prioritized placing Moroccan youth at the forefront of integrated development strategies," Ambassador Hilale declared, echoing the monarch's commitment to empowering future generations.

He painted a vivid picture of Moroccan civil society, noting the impact of over 50,000 associations dedicated to education, social inclusion, health, sports, and human rights. These organizations play a pivotal role in combating hate speech and extremism, contributing to a vibrant societal fabric.

Ambassador Hilale's remarks were complemented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who emphasized the vulnerability of youth to hate speech in both physical and digital realms. Guterres urged global leaders to invest in tolerance-promoting measures and celebrate diversity to counter the spread of hate speech.

Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, echoed the importance of fostering harmony and mutual respect as fundamental to building healthy societies globally. He emphasized the universal nature of this effort in engaging the world's 1.2 billion inhabitants.

The event drew a diverse audience, including diplomats, UN officials, and representatives from organizations like UNICEF and the UN Development Programme. Together, they emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping an inclusive and tolerant future, aiming to relegate hate speech to history.

Ambassador Hilale's words resonated as a testament to Morocco's steadfast commitment to coexistence, celebrating diversity and fostering an environment where tolerance prevails.