United Nations (New York), 10/05/2021 (MAP) – UN Secretary General Deputy Amina Mohammed commended Morocco for its leadership in the organization of the International Argane Day, and its role in the preservation, development and upgrading of Argane forests.

Argane trees constitute a unique ecosystem with great potential and opportunities to improve the well-being of rural populations and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said Mohammed in a virtual address as part of her participation in the first celebration of the International Argane Day, which kicked off on Monday in Agadir.

The production of Argane oil is the fruit mainly of the work carried out by women and contributes to the establishment of sustainable livelihoods, noted the UN Secretary General Deputy, adding that by proclaiming the International Argane Day, “the UN honors a dynamic illustration of climate adaptation and underlines the importance of protecting centuries-old cultural heritage”.

“This is also an opportunity for better recovery as we shape our response to the Covid-19 pandemic by ensuring that we simultaneously protect biodiversity, empower women, especially in rural areas, and invest in inclusive economies,” she said.

The UN official concluded by saying that such efforts are “essential as we seek to fulfill the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Decade of Action.”

The opening ceremony of this high-level event, initiated by Morocco and the United Nations, was chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests Aziz Akhannouch.

Organized in a hybrid format, this event is aired on United Nations web TV, YouTube and social networks.

It brings together high-ranking figures including President of the United Nations General Assembly Volkan Bozkır, UN Secretary General Deputy Amina J. Mohammed, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of WHO Tedros Ghebreyesus, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Women Anita Bathia, Deputy Director-General of FAO Maria Henela Semedo, and executive director of the Green Climate Fund Yannick Glemarec.

The proclamation of this international day follows the adoption of a resolution, presented by Morocco, to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on March 3, 2021.