The Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued a sharply worded official statement today, Thursday, condemning the “unacceptable” actions of individuals claiming to represent the Algerian delegation during the African Week events organized by the organization on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
In its statement, the delegation said that “no insult has been avoided” towards the representatives of Moroccan civil society who participated in the events to highlight Moroccan heritage, culture, and identity.
Escalation since the registration of Moroccan Argan oil
The Moroccan delegation attributed these actions to a “real obsession” with Morocco, pointing out that they have noticeably increased since the registration of Moroccan Argan oil in the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity at UNESCO on December 10, 2025, in New Delhi.
The delegation affirmed that “the Algerian delegation bears full responsibility for these actions which have become systematic,” considering them “failed” attempts to question a historically documented and internationally recognized Moroccan heritage.
Morocco reminds of documented historical facts
The statement reiterated that Moroccan heritage is “solidly documented and widely recognized by specialized international bodies, particularly UNESCO,” through several registrations that affirm its richness and authenticity. It emphasized that “attempts at falsification or opportunistic appropriation cannot alter historical facts nor disturb the profound connection of the Moroccan people to their ancestral heritage.”
Condemnation of the political exploitation of cultural spaces
The Moroccan delegation strongly condemned the “pitiful actions” that attempt to transform spaces for dialogue and cooperation between peoples into arenas for settling narrow political scores, deeming this “contrary to the values of UNESCO.”
The Kingdom reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to work towards “preserving, valuing, and transmitting African and world heritage in all its diversity,” announcing the continuation of cooperation with its African and international partners to enhance cultural cooperation based on mutual respect, reconciliation, and peace.
Call for UNESCO to intervene
At the end of the statement, the Permanent Delegation of Morocco called on UNESCO to “ensure respect for the principles of the organization in the fields of ethics and cultural integrity, away from any political exploitation or attempts to manipulate history.”
