44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs kicks off

22-12-2024

Manama, Dec. 23 (BNA): The 44th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs at the senior officials' level commenced today. The meeting was attended by representatives from Arab ministries of social and development affairs and the council’s technical secretariat to discuss priorities for advancing social development across the Arab region. Sahar Rashid Al Mannai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development and chair of the session, highlighted the importance of empowering vulnerable groups through active community participation. She emphasised that such efforts contribute to economic empowerment and align with comprehensive social development objectives. Al Mannai also stressed the need to prepare for the social agenda of the upcoming Arab Summit and address the social dimensions of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Al Mannai emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to supporting social priorities under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and tangible progress for vulnerable groups, reflecting the country’s broader goals for social development. She also noted that providing humanitarian and social support to Arab countries facing conflicts is a critical priority, alongside backing developmental projects that align with the 2030 SDG agenda. Amira Taj, Director General of International Relations and Agreements at Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, commended the Ministry of Social Development’s organisation of the session. She affirmed the importance of advancing regional strategies, programmes, and action plans, including efforts to implement the second Arab decade for persons with disabilities, particularly in developing disability classification systems. Dr. Tarek Nabulsi, Director of the Development and Social Policies Department, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, highlighted the need to focus on key social and humanitarian challenges in the region. He said that discussions will cover 14 topics in preparation for the Arab Summit and two global events: World Summit for Social Development and the Global Disability Summit. Dr. Nabulsi said that the summit will also discuss issues related to families, children, the elderly, and social policies, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.