The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) are organizing the first session of the Youth Leadership Dialogue series on " The Role of Youth in the Middle East and North Africa in Advocating Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ", on 21 and 22 November 2024.

This initiative aims to enhance the role of young leaders in advocating for human rights, with a particular focus on the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It seeks to provide a platform for in-depth dialogue on the challenges, opportunities and priorities associated with these rights, while empowering participants to use advocacy mechanisms at both national and international levels to strengthen their effective contributions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This session will bring together 30 participants from Morocco and other Arab countries, including members of ROMENA’s Regional Youth Network. Selection criteria have ensured equitable geographical representation and gender balance, fostering an inclusive exchange of experiences and knowledge. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about best practices in promoting and defending economic, social, and cultural rights.  

Mr. Mounir Bensalah, CNDH Secretary General, and Mr. Mazen Shaqoura, Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, will participate in this meeting.

Mr. Mohamed Amarti, President of the CNDH Regional Commission in the Moroccan Oriental Region and Member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, will deliver a keynote presentation on international standards of these rights and the obligations of States to uphold them. Mr. Khaled Ben Hussein, Human Rights Advisor at the Office of the High Commissioner, along with other experts, will contribute to the discussion, offering diverse perspective on advocacy tools and mechanisms for interacting with United Nations bodies, etc.