Hilale Calls on Non-Aligned Movement to Adapt to 21st-Century Challenges

Belgrade, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Omar Hilale, has called on the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to modernize its working methods and adapt to the multidimensional challenges of the 21st century.

Addressing a commemorative meeting in Belgrade marking the 65th anniversary of the Movement’s founding, Hilale said the crises, divisions and emerging challenges that have developed since its establishment require the NAM to move beyond approaches designed for a different international environment.

He stressed the need to strengthen the Movement’s consultation mechanisms and improve its working methods to enhance its effectiveness and credibility, while enabling it to put forward practical and realistic proposals to address current and emerging global challenges.

Hilale said the NAM must respond to profound transformations in the international system and address issues including climate change, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital divides, food and energy security, pandemics, development financing and new forms of transnational crime.

The Moroccan diplomat emphasized that the Movement should not seek to replace the existing multilateral system but should contribute to strengthening it by presenting the priorities and aspirations of Global South countries in a coordinated and constructive manner, particularly within the United Nations framework.

Hilale also highlighted Morocco’s commitment to South-South cooperation, particularly with African countries, citing partnerships in areas including food security, healthcare, training and human development.

He pointed to several initiatives launched at the initiative of King Mohammed VI, including the Royal Initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic African Initiative and the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline project. According to Hilale, these initiatives reflect Morocco’s commitment to Africa’s stability and sustainable development and seek to promote greater connectivity and economic integration across the Atlantic space.

Turning to the Palestinian issue, Hilale reaffirmed its central position in Morocco’s foreign policy. He highlighted King Mohammed VI’s role as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee and Morocco’s support for preserving the legal, historical and cultural status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, as well as for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Hilale further said Morocco had decided to participate in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. Morocco’s contribution is expected to include military and security personnel, as well as a field military hospital aimed at providing medical assistance to the affected population.

The ambassador’s remarks underscored Morocco’s call for a more effective and adaptable Non-Aligned Movement capable of responding to contemporary global challenges while reinforcing multilateral cooperation and advancing the interests of developing countries.