NASSER BOURITA, Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad of Morocco, said the pandemic is a reminder of human fragility and has laid bare gaps in health, employment and social protection.  Unfortunately, multilateralism did not live up to the challenge.  The world now has a historic opportunity, and the United Nations must be at the centre.  A new world order must go beyond intentions, with a practical road map that promotes security and addresses threats.  Vaccination is the last line of defence in combating the pandemic, with the main goal being vaccine access for all.  Shortages in some regions are ticking bombs, and consequences will be tremendous.  Commending WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, he said mutual recognition of vaccines produced around the world is essential, and Africa must become a priority in a global health strategy.

Migration, terrorism and climate change also need global attention, he said.  Among its efforts, Morocco addresses migration as a humanitarian issue, while launching related initiatives, and hosts a counter-terrorism centre.  To tackle climate change consequences, Morocco has adopted such tools as a transition plan to renewables.  Despite pandemic-related challenges, a new national development model based on the Sustainable Development Goals, is now creating the conditions for a more open, innovative and competitive economy.

Committed to peace and security, he said Morocco contributes to peacekeeping operations and anticipates a productive session as chair of the Assembly’s First Committee (Disarmament and International Security).  Recalling recent elections involving robust participation in the Moroccan Sahara, he reiterated the country’s readiness for continued cooperation with the United Nations to find a realistic, practical, lasting solution to the issue of the province, with full respect for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  However, he remained deeply concerned about conditions in the Tindouf camps, calling on the international community to take action to get Algeria to honour its commitments, particularly by enabling the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to conduct a census in response to the Security Council’s repeated calls.  He supported elections in Libya as a crucial step towards peace.  Encouraging Israeli-Palestinian parties to resume peace talks and cease all actions that jeopardize negotiations for a two-State solution, he said Morocco’s peaceful relations with Israel echo its support for advancing the cause of peace in the region and strengthening regional security.  Going forward, urgent practical and coordinated action must enhance the United Nations role as a global framework for international cooperation, with States showing the required will and solidarity.