Presided over by Ambassador Omar Zniber, current Chairman of the HRC and Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, the meeting adopted the Chairman's statement, marking an important moment in the process of streamlining and strengthening the council's efficiency and effectiveness.

It was also an opportunity for the various focal points and co-facilitators, appointed by the HRC Chairman at the outset of his mandate, to present their reports outlining the results of their consultations with the various stakeholders.

These consultations focused in particular on the contribution of the HRC to the process of its reform by the UN General Assembly with a view to 2026; new technologies, artificial intelligence, and the digital divide; the rationalization and efficiency of Council sessions; and the use of modern technologies to enhance the inclusiveness and effectiveness of the HRC.

The agenda of this meeting also includes the election of the next President of the Council and Bureau for the 19th cycle (the year 2025), as well as the appointment of the new Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.

On this occasion, several delegations praised Morocco's leadership, as well as the wisdom and spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and transparency with which this presidency has been conducted.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Zniber said he felt "a sense of pride and accomplishment" at the end of a year dotted with meetings he had had the honor of chairing, including three sessions of the Human Rights Council, sessions of the Universal Periodic Review, consultations, and diplomatic exercises.

It was also "an honor for the Kingdom of Morocco, and for me personally, to represent Africa at the head of our august Council," he said.

Drawing on the ideal principles and values of Moroccan diplomacy, under the aegis and enlightened guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Mr. Zniber stated that, in exercising the responsibility entrusted to him, he had taken it to heart "to observe the balances and rules in force, to respect neutrality and integrity, but also, and above all, to listen to everyone."

"The collective work we have patiently continued to build together this year has honored the fundamental principles underlying the promotion of human rights," he concluded.