Speaking during the general policy debate at the 42nd session of the UN General Conference (November 7-22), which this year is focusing on the global challenges of climate change and new technologies, Benmoussa, who is also chairman of the national Commission for Education, Science and Culture, said that "Morocco, pursuant to the High Orientations of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has for years been engaged in a profound reform of the education, training and scientific research system, in perfect harmony with the sustainable development goals".

"These initiatives and reform projects are consistent with the Kingdom's important and distinguished role within UNESCO in building common principles and convictions, and in sharing experiences and best practices related to the Organization's issues and concerns, notably those related to supporting the African continent's position to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of its countries and achieve development goals", he noted.

The government official also highlighted the Kingdom's positive involvement in UNESCO initiatives, notably the organization of the Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (Confinetea VII) in June 2022 in Morocco, and the adoption of the Marrakech Framework for Action, including the project to create the African Institute for Lifelong Learning.

Morocco, he said, has also contributed to international efforts to preserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage by signing a partnership agreement between UNESCO and the Rabat-based Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage, as well as inking another bilateral framework agreement with the Organization to promote intangible cultural heritage in Africa, in order to make Moroccan expertise in this field available to sub-Saharan African countries.

At the Kingdom's initiative, the Alliance of National Commissions and Learning Cities in Africa was created, with the initial active membership of nine African countries, the Minister noted, citing Morocco's contribution to the implementation of UNESCO recommendations, notably the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Benmoussa also highlighted the efforts made by the Kingdom, under the High Directives of His Majesty the King, following the earthquake that struck certain regions of the Kingdom last September. An integrated national plan has been launched to rebuild and develop the affected areas, rebuild and equip schools, and restore damaged heritage monuments, he added.

The official also referred to recent events in the Middle East, expressing the Kingdom's deep concern at the expansion and intensification of military action in the Gaza Strip, the catastrophic increase in civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis, given the absence of a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, through the creation of an independent Palestinian state living alongside Israel, with East Jerusalem as its capital.