On May 6, 2026, Morocco's representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Omar Hilale, addressed the UN Security Council (CPS) during a briefing on the Sahel region. He emphasized the need to integrate environmental considerations into security and counter-terrorism strategies, citing the impact of climate change on instability in the region.
Hilale noted that the Sahel faces severe environmental challenges, including desertification, water scarcity, and food insecurity, which exacerbate conflicts and terrorist recruitment. He called for a holistic approach that links environmental sustainability with peacebuilding efforts.
The ambassador also highlighted Morocco's initiatives in the Sahel, such as the construction of the largest desalination plant in Africa and the promotion of renewable energy projects, as examples of how environmental action can support security. The statement was part of a broader UN discussion on the situation in the Sahel, where extremist groups exploit resource scarcity to gain support.
