The meeting was organized within the framework of the proceedings of the Humanitarian Affairs Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), chaired by ambassador Hilale, to examine ways and means to reduce the needs, risks and vulnerabilities of the populations of the region through closer collaboration between humanitarian, development and peace-building actors.

 In his opening address, ambassador Hilale recalled that the choice of the Sahel stems from the importance that Morocco and His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in particular, attach to this region. To this end, the Moroccan diplomat recalled the Royal speech addressed to the 1st Conference of the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region, in which the Sovereign stressed that this region can become a model of advanced regional integration on the economic, environmental, political and human levels.

In addition, Hilale reviewed the humanitarian situation in the region and the impact of insecurity and conflict on its development. He noted that the Central Sahel region is an important reminder of the promises to "leave no one behind" by "helping the most disadvantaged first", made by the UN as part of the 2030 development agenda.

 He stressed in this context that the multidimensional nature of the situation in the region requires the joint efforts of all stakeholders to alleviate the suffering of the population, calling on humanitarian and development partners to increase their commitment to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities of the populations in the region.