The General Secretariat convened the 43rd session of the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs on 20 December in Cairo, presided over by Minister Nevine Al-Qabbaj, the Minister of Social Solidarity. During the session, they expressed the ongoing support for the people of the Gaza Strip in response to the persistent oppressive actions of Israel, the occupying power. The commitment to sustain this aid persists until stability is achieved, initiating the process of mitigating the profound social and humanitarian repercussions faced by the residents of the Gaza Strip.
Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and head of the Social Affairs Sector, commended the dedication of numerous Arab nations in providing relief, social, humanitarian, and health assistance. She also acknowledged their vigilance in monitoring and overseeing these efforts. Minister Al-Qabbaj received gratitude for her tireless endeavours as the Vice President of the Red Crescent, ensuring the delivery of aid of the Councils of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs and Health and contributions from Arab and friendly nations. Her meticulous attention to all pertinent details was praised, reflecting the directives of the Egyptian presidency, which expressed profound appreciation for this substantial effort.
Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh elucidated that the ministers endorsed several crucial decisions, delineated within the Council's purview. This included preparations for the upcoming Arab Summit, scheduled for its 33rd session in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, to be held in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The approval extended to various strategies, plans, and programmes focused on eradicating multidimensional poverty, advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities, and addressing issues related to the elderly, family, and childhood. Additionally, support was greenlit for various social projects in member states.
In concluding her statement, she lauded the meticulous preparations undertaken by the Arab Republic of Egypt. She expressed gratitude to Minister Al-Qabbaj and all concerned entities within the Egyptian state for orchestrating the session under optimal and convenient conditions. Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh noted that the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs are anticipated to inaugurate the Nour Initiative for Persons with Disabilities on 21 December. This initiative, sponsored by the League of Arab States and the Ministry of Social Solidarity, is poised to serve as a noteworthy model at the Arab level, aligning with the overarching goal of enabling independent living for individuals with disabilities. She also extended thanks to Minister Maryam Al-Misnad, the Minister of Social Development and Family in the State of Qatar, acknowledging her efforts during her tenure as the president of the previous session of the Council (42). The ambassador praised the accomplishments and initiatives realised under Minister Al-Misnad's leadership during that session.
