UN Secretary-General Thanks Morocco and France for Their Leadership
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has expressed his gratitude to Morocco and France for their organization and co-presidency of the second Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in the Francophone Environment, which was held on Wednesday in Rabat. During his opening remarks, delivered through a pre-recorded message, Guterres emphasized that peacekeeping is one of the most tangible aspects of the UN’s work, particularly at a time when the world is witnessing the highest number of conflicts since 1945.
The Importance of Effective Peacekeeping
Guterres highlighted that peacekeeping remains one of the strongest and most cost-effective tools available to the international community. He noted that it requires ongoing political commitment, sufficient resources, and sustainable partnerships. He pointed out that successful peacekeeping missions depend on a clear mandate, political will from the parties involved, and resolute support from member states. In the context of Francophone environments, particularly in Africa, he stressed the significance of language, cultural understanding, local dynamics, and trust-building in achieving success.
The UN Secretary-General also referred to the reforms he has undertaken under the "UN80" initiative, aimed at studying peacekeeping operations to ensure they are better suited to on-the-ground realities, more coherent, and closely linked to the populations they serve. Moreover, Guterres acknowledged that for nearly eight decades, peacekeepers have operated in some of the world’s most perilous contexts, risking their lives to protect civilians while supporting political processes and creating space for sustainable solutions.
The High-Level Segment of the second Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in the Francophone Environment was co-chaired by Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, along with Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs. This significant event saw the participation of 26 ministers and 63 delegations representing countries from around the globe.
As reported by diplomatie.ma.
