This announcement was made during the Taragalte Festival, held from November 1 to 3 in M’hamid El Ghizlane (Zagora province), of which OUM was the “godmother”.
Oum’s influence and commitment to social causes will play a vital role in UNAIDS‘ efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Morocco and beyond, UNAIDS said in a statement.
“The appointment of Oum as a national goodwill ambassador is a major step forward in our efforts to fight HIV in Morocco,” said Houssine El Rhilani, UNAIDS Country Director for Morocco.
His artistic influence and commitment to social causes “will help amplify our messages of prevention, tolerance and support for people living with HIV,” he added.
Thus, Oum will work to raise awareness and education around HIV prevention and focus on combating the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
“As an artist, I have a platform that can reach many people. It is my duty to use my voice to advocate for people living with and affected by HIV, who are often ignored,” said Oum, quoted in the press release, adding ”I am honored to take on this role with UNAIDS and I am committed to supporting the fight against HIV in Morocco.”
Thanks to her status as ambassador, Oum, notes the same source, should contribute to the efforts carried out at the national level to fight this disease, in particular the Integrated National Strategic Plan to fight HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs ( 2024-2030) which describes essential actions to strengthen HIV prevention efforts and improve access to care, particularly for populations most affected by HIV.
UNAIDS is working closely with global and national partners to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Oum’s Role in Social Causes
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today! We’re here to discuss a recent announcement made during the Taragalte Festival in M’hamid El Ghizlane, where the renowned artist Oum was celebrated as the “godmother” of the event. What can you tell us about the significance of Oum’s involvement in this festival and in social causes?
Expert: Thank you for having me! Oum’s role as the “godmother” of the Taragalte Festival highlights her deep influence in the community and her commitment to social change. This festival is not just a celebration of music and culture; it’s also a platform for raising awareness about issues such as environmental sustainability and social justice in the region.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! Given her background, how does Oum’s music intersect with her social activism?
Expert: Oum’s music often reflects themes of unity, cultural identity, and social justice, which resonate deeply with her audience. By using her platform to address pressing social issues, she is able to inspire change while also promoting Moroccan music and culture on a global stage. Her participation in events like the Taragalte Festival galvanizes support for these causes.
Time.news Editor: So, it seems her influence extends beyond the stage. What specific social causes is she passionate about, and how does she aim to bring about change?
Expert: Oum has been particularly active in advocating for women’s rights and environmental issues. She believes that music can be a powerful tool for advocacy. For example, she often collaborates with NGOs to fund projects that support education and empowerment for women in Morocco. By leveraging her celebrity status, she raises funds and awareness for these initiatives.
Time.news Editor: That’s impactful! The Taragalte Festival itself, as you mentioned, seems to play a crucial role. How does this event help amplify Oum’s and other artists’ messages?
Expert: The Taragalte Festival attracts a diverse audience, including local communities, tourists, and international media. This creates an opportunity for artists like Oum to share their messages with a larger audience. Workshops, discussions, and performances during the festival often center around cultural heritage and social issues, allowing attendees to engage directly with these topics.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a melting pot of culture and activism. As the world continues to face various challenges, how important do you think it is for artists like Oum to take a stand?
Expert: It’s essential. Artists have a unique ability to influence public opinion and spark conversations. In a globalized world where social issues often transcend borders, their voices can draw attention to local problems while encouraging a broader dialogue. Oum exemplifies this by not just entertaining, but also activating change in her community and beyond.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! In light of the festival and her upcoming initiatives with the UN, what do you envision for Oum’s future impact on social causes?
Expert: I believe we’ll see Oum continue to deepen her involvement with international organizations like the UN. Her ability to blend art with activism could lead to even more innovative campaigns that address urgent global issues. If she maintains this momentum, Oum could become a leading figure in using the arts for humanitarian efforts.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a bright future ahead! Thank you so much for sharing your insights on Oum’s vital role in music and social activism. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on her journey moving forward.
Expert: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this—exciting times lie ahead for both Oum and the communities she passionately supports.