El Karoui Sets International Precedent in Kenya

Idris El Karoui has achieved an international precedent by being unanimously elected vice president of the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW). The election took place during the ICSW General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. El Karoui will serve a four-year term in this significant role.

This appointment is a historic milestone, marking the first time an African and Arab individual has assumed such a high position within the ICSW since its establishment in 1928. The ICSW is a prominent international non-governmental organization headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands. It holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, underscoring its global influence.

The council is led by American-Russian Sergey Zelenev as president and Spaniard Antonio López-Pelaez as executive director. Its mission centers on promoting social welfare, establishing social justice, and supporting global social development. The ICSW advocates for economic and social development to reduce poverty and vulnerability, while defending fundamental rights like food, education, healthcare, housing, and social security.

Morocco joined the ICSW's board in June 2010, following its unanimous election during the General Assembly held in Hong Kong. The council's work emphasizes equal opportunities, freedom of expression, and universal access to essential social services and comprehensive social protection systems.