UN marks 80 years of action with 1st-ever participation at Rabat Book Fair

Morocco’s seven decades of multilateral commitment also highlighted at UN stand

RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) – The United Nations System in Morocco is participating for the first time in the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), with a unified stand bringing together all 21 UN funds, agencies, programs, and entities operating in the country.

Held under the theme “Building our future, together,” the stand commemorates 80 years since the UN’s founding in 1945 and celebrates Morocco’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism since joining the organization in 1956.

“At the Rabat Book and Publishing Fair, we are celebrating 8 decades of UN action around the world and 7 decades of Morocco’s commitment, with a strong message: solidarity and cooperation are more crucial than ever,” said Nathalie Fustier, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Development System in Morocco.

The stand features a curated historical perspective, spotlighting eight decades of the UN’s global contributions and Morocco’s active engagement on the international stage, reported Morocco’s Le Matin News. 

Key highlights include Morocco’s role in institutionalizing Arabic as an official UN language, its support for the Human Rights Council, and its hosting of major UN climate conferences.

It also honors Morocco’s involvement in UN peacekeeping operations since 1960 and its leadership in the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.

Visitors to the stand can explore a wide selection of UN publications and engage in a variety of activities, including discussion panels, presentations, competitions, and youth-focused workshops.

The initiative is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (SDCF) signed with the Moroccan government, which guides the collaborative efforts of the UN entities under the coordination of the Resident Coordinator.