UNFPA Approves Cooperation Program with Morocco

Rabat – The executive board of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has approved a new cooperation program with Morocco for the period between 2023 and 2027, UNFPA Morocco announced on Tuesday.

The five-year program, which is in line with Morocco’s New Development Model, aims to implement several programs in a wide range of areas, including sustainable development, health, and gender equality, indicated UNFPA in a statement.

The program will “contribute to the implementation of the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, in particular SDG n°3 relating to good health and well-being and SDG 5 on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” noted the statement.

The fund added that the program will contribute to the implementation of the new United Nations Sustainable Development Framework with Morocco for the period of 2023-2027.

The program will focus on young people aged between 15 and 24, particularly girls and women, “as the driving force for sustainable development” in Morocco. It is set to promote women’s rights in regard to gender equality, social and economic inclusion, promoting sexual and reproductive health, fighting gender-based violence, and ensuring women’s access to education.

The program also seeks to benefit the elderly, disabled people, migrants and refugees, as well as other vulnerable populations.

Omar Hilale, Morocco’s permanent ambassador and representative at the UN, said that “this cooperation program reflects the excellent partnership relations between Morocco and UNFPA maintain.”

The “UNFPA has always had an important position within the United Nations team in Rabat and in the implementation of the Morocco-United Nations cooperation framework,” Hilale noted. He highlighted the fund’s “expertise”, and “global network,” as well as “its ability to mobilize resources and partnerships.”

The statement concluded that the program will place huge “emphasis” on issues relating to “social protection, climate change, green economy, and employment programs.”

Established in 1969, the UNFPA promotes universal access to sexual and reproductive health, and seeks to improve the lives of youth and women by advocating for human rights and gender equality.