The United Nations Development System in Morocco honored Ghizlane Benjelloun on Thursday as the UN’s 2024 Person of the Year in Morocco in recognition of Benjelloun’s dedication to improving children’s mental health and advancing their rights.
Benjelloun serves as Vice President of the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE) and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Union of Moroccan Women.
She is also a member of the governing boards of the International Bureau for Children’s Rights (IBCR) and the European Association for Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (AEPEA).
Benjelloun is an active participant in the international organization known as “The Cause of Babies.”
Benjelloun’s contributions have extended beyond advocacy. She is a professor of child psychiatry and heads the child psychiatry department at the Mother and Child Hospital of Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca.
Her academic achievements include her role on the scientific council of the Lalla Meryem Chair [CHAIR?]for Women and Children at Mohammed V University in Rabat.
Known for her hands-on approach with families and children, her work has helped mobilize the public and private sectors to tackle issues surrounding childhood mental health.
The UN commended Benjelloun for championing initiatives that support the psychological well-being of children and prevent mental health disorders from an early age.
In her acceptance speech, Benjelloun dedicated the award to children and those fighting for their rights. “I am honored by this distinction, which I dedicate to every child and every adult fighting for children’s rights because their future, and the future of our society, depends on our ability to place their mental well-being at the heart of all our priorities,” she said.
Nathalie Fustier, UN Resident Coordinator in Morocco, applauded Benjelloun’s passion and commitment. “Today’s children are the leaders of tomorrow, carriers of hope and change for a better future,” Fustier said during the ceremony.