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ShareKUWAIT: Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Talal Al-Namash, underscored the significance of convening the extraordinary session of the Arab Economic and Social Council at the ministerial level as part of preparations for the forthcoming Arab Summit and the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, both set to take place in Baghdad this May.
Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the Council’s meeting, Al-Namash explained that the session aimed to examine and draft the economic and social file to be presented at the 34th Arab Summit, in addition to formulating the agenda for the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. Al-Namash noted that it was agreed to consolidate the topics proposed for the 34th Summit’s economic and social file into the broader agenda of the development summit. Participants reviewed key agenda items, which will be forwarded to the preparatory meetings for further discussion and finalization.
He stated that the draft agenda features several major initiatives and projects, including the Secretary-General’s report on joint Arab economic and social development efforts, along with updates on the progress of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. The agenda also includes the establishment of the Arab Customs Union and the blue economy initiative, proposed by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, which aims to address food and energy security challenges in the Arab world.
Further topics include the executive plan for the Arab Strategy for Water Security, aligned with the 2030 sustainable development goals, as well as a proposal by the Secretary-General of the Arab League concerning artificial intelligence. Additionally, the agenda outlines the Arab Strategy for Food Security for the 2025–2035 period. Al-Namash reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to supporting resolutions from both summits that will enhance joint Arab economic and social cooperation.
Overcoming challenges
Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector at the Arab League, Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, emphasized the need for intensified Arab collaboration to confront pressing regional development challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, and climate change. In her remarks during the session’s opening, Abu Ghazaleh highlighted that sustainable development in the Arab region demands a unified and strategic response from all member states. She called for increased participation and the exchange of experiences, describing the meeting as a platform for developing shared strategies that improve living standards and promote economic and social stability.
Abu Ghazaleh outlined key topics under discussion, including boosting investment in youth and women, advancing education, and supporting innovation. She stressed that promoting social justice must remain central to the Arab agenda. The League’s General Secretariat has prepared a series of reports and studies to guide discussions and ensure actionable outcomes. Abu Ghazaleh also advocated for stronger partnerships with civil society organizations and the private sector, viewing them as essential players in achieving sustainable development.
Integrated Arab Action
For his part, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance and National Economy for Financial Affairs in Bahrain, Yousef Al-Hamoud, emphasized the importance of convening both the regular and development-focused Arab summits concurrently. He said this approach, mandated by the 2022 Arab Summit, aims to foster integration across political, economic, and social sectors.
Chairing the meeting, Al-Hamoud described the current session as a key preparatory step toward the upcoming summits, reinforcing a strategic vision for comprehensive Arab cooperation. He expressed hope that this integrated framework would not only lead to impactful decisions but also ensure their effective implementation. Al-Hamoud commended the Arab League’s ongoing efforts in women’s empowerment, education, youth, and cultural programs, praising its role in preserving Arab identity and language. The Kuwaiti delegation was led by Talal Al-Nemash, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for Economic Affairs.- KUNA
