Agadir – Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Omar Hilale, has been appointed to co-facilitate the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, guiding the international efforts to combat terrorism.
Hilale was selected by the president of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, and he will be tasked with leading the review process of the UN’s counter-terrorist strategy alongside Finland’s Ambassador to the UN, Elina Kalkku.
The review process will be conducted through broad consultations with UN member states and stakeholders, emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility. The ninth review of the strategy is scheduled to conclude by June 2026.
Morocco’s selection reflects growing international confidence in the country’s role as a credible partner in promoting regional and global security. For Morocco, this is also a welcome acknowledgment of the effectiveness of its counter-terrorism approach.
The country has notably adopted an integrated approach to counter terrorism, including the rehabilitation of legal measures such as law No. 03.03 and No. 86.14 regarding the fight against terrorism.
Moroccan authorities have in recent years repeatedly dismantled militant groups before they could carry out attacks. Security services thwarted a 12-member Islamic State-linked cell plotting bomb attacks across multiple cities in 2025, seizing explosives and weapons as part of coordinated action across nine Moroccan locations.
Morocco has also created numerous administrative, judicial, and security entities dedicated to ensuring the efficiency of its legal measures. The country provides reintegration for those convicted in terrorism cases. Its Moussalaha (Reconciliation) program focuses on psychological and social rehabilitation for former extremists.
Hilale’s appointment to co-lead the UN’s counter-terrorism strategy is consistent with Morocco’s deepening cooperation with the United Nations, especially since the establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Program Office in Rabat in 2021. The office serves as a regional platform for capacity building and technical assistance, emphasising on benefiting African countries.
