This retreat is in line with Morocco's commitments and achievements within United Nations bodies. As an active member of the UN, the Kingdom strives to promote human rights and foster dialogue among nations on crucial issues. It represents a new step in Morocco’s commitment to strengthening its role as a leader and facilitator in defending universal values, collaborating with other states and organizations to improve global human rights conditions.

The opening session of this meeting featured speeches from Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk.

The retreat involves the participation of Ambassadors representing the permanent missions of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) member states, coordinators of the regional and political groups of the United Nations, the Chair of the Coordination Committee for Special Procedures, and NGOs involved in the HRC’s work.

During the opening of the UN Human Rights Council retreat in Rabat, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita highlighted His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s commitment to human rights as a foundation for Morocco’s reforms and initiatives. He stressed the importance of balancing the Human Rights Council’s relationship with the UN General Assembly while enhancing its autonomy and effectiveness. The Minister also advocated for evolving the Council’s mechanisms, including strengthening the UPR process and ensuring national priorities guide implementation. He emphasized addressing the historical underrepresentation of Southern nations, especially African countries, in shaping global human rights standards, calling for greater focus on economic, social, and cultural rights. Additionally, he praised African initiatives in human rights advocacy.

In addition to the opening session, three thematic sessions addressed key challenges regarding the state and future of the HRC.

The first session focused on assessing the Council's major achievements since its creation, as well as the challenges it has faced, while the second  explored the Council's working methods to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.

This approach aims to ensure that the Council can respond quickly and effectively to urgent global human rights needs.

Finally, the third session focused on strengthening the relationship between UN bodies, specifically the HRC in Geneva and the UN General Assembly in New York, as well as UN organizations involved in development.