ShareKUWAIT: The extraordinary session of the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council convened on Sunday at the senior officials’ level, with Kuwait participating alongside other member states. The session aims to study and prepare the draft agenda for the economic and social components of the 34th Arab Summit and the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General for Social Affairs at the Arab League, opened the session by emphasizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence and technology in shaping economic and social progress across the region.
She noted that AI has become a cornerstone of development initiatives, enabling success in various sectors. Abu Ghazaleh stated that the agenda includes key topics proposed by member states, the Arab League General Secretariat, and various ministerial councils, all of which are to be presented at the upcoming summits, scheduled to take place in Iraq. These discussions come amid exceptional regional challenges that continue to impact development achievements.
“The focus of this session will be on urgent priorities that directly affect the Arab people, particularly in the realms of stability, security, and peace,” she said. “Only through securing these foundations can the region realize meaningful and sustainable development that benefits all social groups.” Among the top issues under discussion are food security, solar energy, and support for displaced families affected by the practices of the occupying power. Additional areas of focus include investment in public health systems—particularly school and university health infrastructure—and the socio-economic empowerment of Arab women.
Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh also underlined the importance of unifying the Arab position ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development, aiming to highlight Arab social priorities on the international stage. Bahrain’s representative and session chair, Nawaf Al-Sada, underscored that this extraordinary session is instrumental in shaping the economic and social files to be submitted during the 34th Arab Summit.
He confirmed that the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit will be held concurrently for the first time, generously hosted by the Republic of Iraq in May. Al-Sada referenced the Bahrain Declaration issued during the 33rd Arab Summit, which reaffirmed the Arab region’s strategic economic and human potential. The declaration stressed the importance of creating conditions conducive to regional cooperation and comprehensive development, guided by mutual interests.
He reiterated Bahrain’s commitment, as the current chair of the Economic and Social Council, to advancing Arab cooperation, coordinating positions, and supporting regional economic and social initiatives. Among the key priorities, Al-Sada highlighted the advancement of the new inter-Arab investment agreement and the continued development of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.
He emphasized that sustainable Arab economic integration requires strategic progress across several fronts, including the activation of the free trade area, promotion of intra-Arab investment and trade, enhancement of food security, and the expansion of the digital economy and innovation sectors. Kuwait’s delegation to the session is led by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for Economic Affairs, Talal Al-Namash. — KUNA
