Morocco has been elected to the Chair of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) for the 2026–2028 term, represented by Mrs. Zohour Alaoui, Ambassador of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to the Federal Republic of Germany.
This election, which was unanimous among the members, took place at the conclusion of the 21st meeting of the UIL Governing Board, recently held in Hamburg. During the same meeting, Mrs. Epsy Campbell Barr, former Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, was elected Vice-Chair of the Governing Board of this UN institute.
Morocco’s election to this high responsibility reflects the international recognition of the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to promoting education and lifelong learning under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, who has made education a fundamental pillar of peace, sustainable development, and social cohesion.
This achievement also reinforces Morocco’s active and influential role within UNESCO and the UIL, notably through hosting the 7th International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII) in June 2022 in Marrakech, which resulted in the adoption of the Marrakech Framework for Action and the creation of the African Foundation for Lifelong Learning.
Furthermore, the 21st meeting of the Governing Board formalized the inclusion of the cities of Oujda and Casablanca in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities, in recognition of their commitment to ensuring the right to education for all, at all ages. Fes, Agadir, and Essaouira have already been part of this network since 2023.
