Morocco’s permanent representative to the UN in New York, Omar Hilale, was elected by acclamation on Thursday as president of the UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2026.
The unanimous support shows wide trust in Morocco’s diplomatic approach at a time when the international system faces pressure.
Morocco is considered a steady partner, promoting dialogue, balance, and stability. Its work in mediation, post-conflict support, and UN peacekeeping has earned it strong credibility.
Hilale takes on his role as conflicts rise, trust in institutions falls, and diplomatic space shrinks, making the Peacebuilding Commission’s work in helping countries recover and prevent renewed violence more essential than ever.
In his inaugural address, Hilale stressed a presidency grounded in realism and shared experience, noting that peace takes different forms in each region.
Africa brings lessons in peace consolidation, Latin America in transitional justice, and Asia in community dialogue. He warned that over 130 armed conflicts now affect the world, nearly two billion people face constant violence, and more than 305 million rely on emergency aid.
Morocco’s presidency will coincide with the first UN Peacebuilding Week in June. The initiative aims to renew focus on peace, promote regional exchange, and mobilize political and financial support. Hilale called it an opportunity to put peacebuilding back at the center of international priorities.
The Commission’s opening session under Morocco’s leadership featured a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the President of the General Assembly, and members of the Organizational Committee.
Created in 2005, the Peacebuilding Commission connects the UN’s main bodies and brings together states, donors, and institutions to support lasting peace in post-conflict countries.
Morocco now leads a 31-member body that includes Security Council members, major UN donors, and key military and police contributors.
The role puts Morocco at the center of international discussions on peace and collective responsibility at a time when these values face increasing pressure.