UN Hails Morocco's Welfare System as Model for Middle-Income Nations

Rabat – The United Nations has commended Morocco for its efforts in enhancing and boosting its social welfare system.

“Morocco’s endeavors to broaden the scope, adequacy, and inclusiveness of its social protection deserve commendation from all quarters,” remarked Li Junhua, Deputy Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the UN, in an interview with MAP marking the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s enthronement.

The senior UN official spotlighted that social protection has been an effective tool in tackling poverty and reducing inequalities in Morocco, while also focusing on the progress made towards numerous other sustainable development goals in the country.

He recalled that the social protection measures adopted in Morocco were crucial for vulnerable groups, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.

To fund these major initiatives, Morocco relies on a strong combination of general public revenues and social contributions from the employment sector.

According to him, “these efforts constitute a good model for middle-income countries” to combat inequalities, promote inclusion, and move towards universal social protection systems.

Reflecting on Morocco’s response to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Al Haouz earthquake, Junhua mentioned several initiatives Morocco has undertaken.

These include direct assistance to vulnerable individuals, expansion of health insurance for informal sector workers, wage subsidies for employees in the tourism sector, support for businesses, and the establishment of a Special Fund to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures, he emphasized, have helped mitigate the social, economic, and health impacts of the pandemic, particularly for vulnerable individuals and their families, while supporting economic recovery.

In the same efforts towards Morocco’s progress, in 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and UN Resident Coordinator Nathalie Fustier signed the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-2027.

This framework serves as the cornerstone for planning and monitoring the implementation of UN activities in Morocco, aimed at achieving the 2030 Development Agenda.