Morocco’s Hilale to Co-Facilitate Review of UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

United Nations (New York) – The Kingdom of Morocco, represented by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Omar Hilale, was appointed on Wednesday by the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, to co-facilitate, with the Finland Ambassador, Elina Kalkku, the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

The selection of Morocco to lead the ninth review of this strategy reflects the confidence placed in the Kingdom, as well as its role as a reliable, committed, and responsible partner, actively working for regional and international security and stability. It constitutes recognition of Morocco’s significant contribution to multilateral efforts aimed at preventing and combating terrorist threats. Mr. Hilale’s appointment reflects the credibility, trust, and respect that Morocco enjoys within the United Nations system, as a reliable partner and a key player in this process, reaffirming its determination to actively contribute to the success of the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in a spirit of consensus, dialogue, consultation, and shared responsibility. The new appointment constitutes strong and well-deserved recognition of the central role played by Morocco in international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. It reflects the credibility, consistency, and effectiveness of the Moroccan approach, based on a comprehensive vision combining security, prevention, regional and international cooperation, and the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, as well as the values ??of moderation and coexistence. Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has developed a unique and widely acclaimed model, based on strengthening security and intelligence capabilities, close cooperation with international partners, and combating the root causes of terrorism through human development, social inclusion, and the promotion of a moderate Islam. This important UN intergovernmental negotiation process will be marked by consultations with all UN Member States and major stakeholders, and will be led by Morocco and Finland in reviewing, by June 2026, the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which constitutes the main overarching framework defining the global approach to preventing and combating terrorism. This UN responsibility is in line with Morocco’s cooperation with the United Nations, as evidenced by the opening of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Programme Office in Rabat in 2021, which serves as a regional hub for capacity building and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Africa, by making expertise available to African states. This is further complemented by the recent holding of the first International Conference dedicated to African victims of terrorism, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).