New York, (GNP): Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has emphasized the need for a pragmatic and realistic approach to multilateralism to address the pressing challenges facing Africa.
Addressing the 79th UN General Assembly, Akhannouch said that Morocco’s diplomatic stance is inherently multilateral, but cautioned against relying solely on lofty declarations.
“We need new momentum and reforms that engage all segments of society, including women and youth,” he said.
Akhannouch underscored the disproportionate impact of climate change on African nations, despite their minimal contributions to global pollution.
African countries, he said, are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
To combat this, Akhannouch called for innovative financing mechanisms and reforms to the international financial system to aid the economic recovery of developing nations.
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“Morocco calls for pragmatic, realistic multilateralism to serve the needs of the African continent,” he said, stressing the country’s commitment to addressing key issues like climate change, terrorism, and social justice through this approach.
Akhannouch also pointed to Morocco’s regional initiatives, including its plan to provide Sahel nations with access to the Atlantic Ocean and its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara.
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Expressing deep concern over the Israel-Palestine conflict, Akhannouch condemned the aggression against Palestinians as a “blatant violation of international law and human values,” linking regional stability to the two-state solution.
He further reiterated Morocco’s solidarity with Lebanon, affirming respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As global challenges mount, Akhannouch called on the UN General Assembly to reconsider its approach and appeal to a “collective conscience.”
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He urged the UN to return to the core humanitarian values that founded the organization, stressing the need for reform as the UN nears its 80th anniversary.
“The UN has a collective responsibility,” he concluded, urging member states to realign with the fundamental values that inspired the institution’s creation.