Abdeljabbar Rachidi, the Secretary of State to Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family Affairs outlined Morocco’s “transformative” social security program during the 44th session of the League of Arab States’ Council of Arab Ministers for Social Affairs” on Wednesday in Manama, Bahrain.
Speaking during the session, Rachidi underscored the “transformative vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in advancing human development and ensuring a dignified life for all Moroccan citizens.”
Rachidi noted that the initiative is making social protection programs more broadly accessible to the Moroccan public by expanding medical coverage through mandatory basic health insurance, implementing direct social assistance programs, reforming pension systems, and launching housing assistance programs.
Rachidi also discussed various initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family Affairs. These programs focus on enhancing the economic and social rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Among these is the socio-economic integration program tailored for individuals with disabilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusivity, Rachidi said.
Highlighting Morocco’s dedication to joint Arab cooperation, Rachidi underscored the importance of collaboration and the exchange of expertise among Arab nations. “Strengthening Arab unity and sharing experiences are vital to overcoming developmental challenges,” he said, underpinning the shared values of freedom, democracy, equality, dignity, justice, and human rights.
The Council also took place amid regional challenges, with Rachidi reiterating Morocco’s support for the Palestinian cause, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds committee.
Also speaking at the session, Haifa Abou Ghazaleh, the Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Department at the Arab League, emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships with international and regional organizations as well as civil society.
She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to implement the Council’s decisions to improve the living conditions of Arab citizens and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Abou Ghazaleh also highlighted the critical role of collective action in ensuring that the resolutions adopted by the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs are effectively executed.
Oussama Ben Saleh Alaoui, Bahrain’s Minister of Social Development and President of the 44th session, underscored the importance of leveraging technological advancements to enhance social services. He called for coordinated efforts to develop social protection strategies that specifically target the most vulnerable groups, emphasizing the significant role these strategies play in promoting social inclusion.
The ministerial meeting brought together Arab ministers and officials responsible for social affairs with representatives of specialized Arab and international organizations.
The session’s discussions focused on the outcomes of the high-level event on productive families and entrepreneurship, held in Manama the day before. That event concluded with the adoption of ambitious recommendations aimed at supporting entrepreneurial initiatives and fostering effective social inclusion.
Morocco was represented at this significant event held by the League of Arab States by a high-level delegation led by Rachidi, that included Mustapha Benkhayi, Morocco’s Ambassador to Manama, and Mohamed Ait Azizi, Director of Family, Childhood, and Elderly Protection at the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family.
The deliberations highlighted the Arab League’s central role in harmonizing regional social policies and the commitment of Arab League member states to implementing coordinated social strategies.