Chère Madame la Ministre,

Honourable Ministers,

Distinguished guests and colleagues.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of Morocco for its courage and vision to host this important international conference. I also wish to convey my appreciation to my esteemed colleagues at the United Nations, with whom UNDP has been collaborating closely to address a pressing global concern - the care economy.

I commend the organisation of this event to look at a topic that is so important but is yet not always given the prominence that it deserves until now. The importance of this topic lies in its socialisation of strategic issues including the extensive network of both unpaid and paid caregiving work that upholds the fabric of our societies, economies, and our overall well-being. It encompasses the invaluable efforts of caregivers, whether in domestic environments or formal care settings, who provide nurturing, support, and empowerment to individuals across various age groups and circumstances.

Over time, I believe that care economy will be placed at the top of policy agendas at national and international levels. This is because the cost of long-term care for aging family members and individuals with disabilities has escalated owing to demographic shifts, health crises, COVID-19 and the effects of climate change to name a few. In many countries, individuals often deplete their own retirement funds to cover care expenses for their loved ones or make personal sacrifices by leaving employment to provide care. In Morocco, the ethos of solidarity and familial support forms an integral part of many families' well-being, underpinning all facets of paid labour. 

For care economy to work, we need to see it as an investment and not an expenditure. The business case for this is backed by UN and WB studies which have demonstrated that investment in care economy increases development outcomes, advance gender equality, social inclusivity, and sustainable development. Thus, we need to ensure that caregivers receive the necessary support, resources, and acknowledgment they merit. Such investment not only uphold principles of social justice but also constitute prudent economic decisions with enduring benefits for all.

In many parts of the world, care work predominantly falls on the shoulders of women, girls and the elderly, whether in domestic settings or formal caregiving environments such as hospitals, schools, and childcare facilities. This includes responsibilities like tending to children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, as well as household chores and domestic activities. However, and despite the undeniable importance of care work, this vocation often faces undervaluation and inadequate compensation. Many caregivers, particularly those operating informally, encounter challenges like extensive working hours, limited legal protections, and restricted avenues for career progression. These disparities can contribute to economic insecurity, gender inequalities, and impediments to women's full participation in the workforce.

I would like to commend Morocco’s efforts to address the above disparities and underscore the significance of the care economy. This includes a chorus of Government of Morocco programs and initiatives that have been rolled out to enhance women's economic empowerment, expand access to childcare facilities, and bolster labour standards for domestic workers. Concurrently, civil society organizations have advocated for women's rights are diligently working to raise awareness about the value of care work and advocate for improved working conditions for caregivers. I have also witnessed joint efforts between the Government and the private sector to look for innovative solutions to ‘sticking problems’. 

Looking ahead, a sustained investment in the care economy is imperative to ensure that caregivers receive adequate support, remuneration, and recognition for their indispensable contributions. By appreciating and investing in care workers, we can foster gender equality, social inclusivity, and sustainable development for all. Today serves as a testament to our collective commitment to nurturing a new social contract that positions care and support at its core, acknowledging its pivotal role in fostering a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive society.

UNDP is not only willing partner to Governments, the Private Sector and Civil society on your journey. As the Integrator of the SDG, we are dedicated to support our national partners to advance policies, initiatives and programmes that champion the care economy, empower caregivers, and cultivate a fairer and more equitable society. Together, let us endeavour towards a future where care work is esteemed, acknowledged, and shared by all and for all.

Thank you.

Shukran,