"This rich and ancient history makes Fez the ideal place to gather and reflect on the state of our world", he said.

The UN SG also expressed his thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI "for His personal and permanent commitment to the defense of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance and diversity as a richness for our societies and our world."

Referring to the global context marked by crises of trust and breakdown of values, Mr. Guterres noted that hate speech, disinformation, and abuse are proliferating, targeting especially women and vulnerable groups.

"Intolerance and irrationality are running rampant. And old evils – antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, persecution of Christians, xenophobia, and racism – are receiving new leases on life," he warned, noting that these hateful and harmful afflictions feed off each other and foment divisions.

In this regard, the UN chief called for building an alliance of peace that spans the global and the local "to meet the tests of our time.".

"At this time of peril, let us take inspiration and stand together as one human family. Rich in diversity, equal in dignity and rights, united in solidarity," concluded Mr. Guterres.