It is a pleasure to contribute to this important Dialogue on behalf of UNDP. I would like to begin by thanking the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights of Morocco, UNICEF, and UNFPA for their leadership and collaboration in convening this timely and strategic discussion.

This Dialogue comes at a moment of great global uncertainty. Across regions, we are witnessing interlocking and overlapping challenges: from climate change, rising inequality, and conflict to economic transitions. Yet, at the same time, we also see tremendous opportunities—especially in the Arab States and Africa, home to young, dynamic populations and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The vision and ambition of the 2030 Agenda go far beyond what international organizations and aid flows can deliver alone. The SDGs were designed as a universal framework to be implemented in every country, requiring collective action across government, the private sector, and civil society. The business sector, in particular, holds vast potential to drive inclusive and sustainable development—if it fully respects human rights in its operations and across value chains. This is the core expectation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which UNDP is proud to promote globally.

Allow me to briefly share some insights from our work. UNDP supports efforts on business and human rights in over 50 countries and territories around the world. We help governments develop national laws and policies—including National Action Plans (NAPs)—to regulate business conduct, assist companies in conducting human rights due diligence, and empower national human rights institutions, civil society, media, and other stakeholders to monitor and hold businesses accountable.

Through our Global Business and Human Rights Initiative, supported by the EU, Japan, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK, we have developed practical tools, facilitated peer learning, and strengthened inclusive platforms for multi-stakeholder dialogue. One of our most recent tools—co-developed with the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights—is even cited in the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

In Africa and the Arab States region, over 25 countries have already embarked on BHR journeys, and UNDP is proud to support many of them.

In Morocco, UNDP enjoys a long-standing partnership with the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights, which—thanks to its interministerial mandate—is uniquely placed to advance cross-sectoral work on human rights. We supported the development and implementation of the 2018–2022 National Action Plan for Democracy and Human Rights, which notably included a dedicated chapter on business and human rights.

While a standalone NAP on business and human rights is still pending, the foundations are in place, and momentum is growing—particularly in a country that continues to demonstrate strong economic and human development progress, and that is increasingly attracting investments and partnerships across diverse sectors. Morocco is also preparing to co-host the FIFA 2030 World Cup, presenting further opportunities to align economic growth with human rights commitments.

Looking ahead, UNDP Morocco stands ready to accompany the next phase—in line with national development priorities—through policy advice and thought leadership, convening diverse stakeholders, and offering technical support for innovative, inclusive programming. Our rich global, regional, and national experience allows us to connect Morocco’s efforts with broader ecosystems of practice and innovation.

What makes this Arab-African Dialogue so valuable is that, beyond sharing experiences, it helps shape a common vision. A vision where the private sector not only respects and protects human rights, but actively contributes to sustainable development for all.

We therefore encourage all actors—public and private institutions, civil society, youth organizations, movements, and networks—to seize this moment to enhance policy coherence and collaboration.

UNDP remains a committed partner on this journey—to help make business part of the solution to today’s development, human rights, and peace challenges.

Thank you.