The meetings of the 44th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs commenced on 22 December in the Kingdom of Bahrain at the level of senior officials, as part of preparations for the ministerial-level sessions scheduled for 24 and 25 December.
Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and head of the Social Affairs Sector, stated that the social and humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip stand prominently on the Ministerial Council's agenda. She highlighted the pressing need to address the dire social and humanitarian circumstances caused by the inhumane practices of Israel, the occupying power. Efforts will be focused on alleviating these challenges in the Gaza Strip and the broader occupied territories. Additionally, the Council will examine the social and humanitarian situation in the Lebanese Republic and explore ways to continue providing essential support.
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh noted that the Council's deliberations will also encompass a range of priority issues for joint Arab social development efforts. These include multidimensional poverty, social policies, the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, support for the elderly, and initiatives concerning families and children. Strategies, programmes, and initiatives proposed by Arab countries will serve as the foundation for these discussions.
She further remarked that preparing the social development agenda for the upcoming Arab Summit constitutes a significant portion of the Council's work. The Council will also focus on preparations for the World Summit for Social Development and the Summit of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring a unified Arab position that reflects regional priorities for these global forums.
In coordination with the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Council will host a high-level event on "Productive Families and Entrepreneurship," featuring ministerial and international participation, alongside representatives from joint Arab labour organisations. The initiative aims to develop the products of productive families into entrepreneurship projects, thereby creating dignified employment opportunities and advancing economic empowerment.
In conclusion, Dr. Abu Ghazaleh highlighted that senior officials will convene over two days to draft resolutions and formulate visions. These will be presented to the ministers for adoption, ensuring that the decisions taken contribute meaningfully to advancing joint Arab social development efforts and supporting the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda in Arab countries.
