The General Secretariat convened the 80th session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs on 1 October at its headquarters, with the critical social and humanitarian conditions in the State of Palestine and Lebanon being at the forefront of the meeting’s agenda.
Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and head of the Social Affairs Sector, emphasised that the ministers are deliberating on the most effective ways to provide assistance, both bilaterally and within the framework of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs. These efforts aim to mitigate the severe social and humanitarian challenges currently faced by the two nations.
Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh noted that the ministers received a briefing from His Excellency the Minister of Social Development of the Republic of Sudan, regarding the social and humanitarian conditions in Sudan. She indicated that the Executive Office has taken the necessary decisions to offer support and has urged Arab countries to continue their efforts to provide comprehensive social and humanitarian assistance.
Furthermore, the Ambassador highlighted that the Executive Office, in preparation for the upcoming session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, discussed several social development initiatives put forward by member states. These discussions also laid the groundwork for the upcoming Arab Summit, focusing on key topics such as eradicating multidimensional poverty, supporting the rights of persons with disabilities and the elderly, as well as addressing issues related to family and childhood. Additionally, the session emphasised the development and strengthening of social protection policies across Arab countries, aiming to improve the overall well-being of Arab citizens.
Her Excellency further highlighted that the Executive Office also addressed the ongoing preparations for the 2025 World Disability Summit, including the organisation of the preliminary summit in November 2024, and the formulation of the Arab position for the Second World Summit for Social Development. These discussions, along with other vital social development issues, are aimed at addressing matters that directly impact the lives of Arab citizens.
In concluding her remarks, Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh extended her congratulations to the elderly on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated annually on 1 October. She reaffirmed the continued efforts of the League of Arab States, through the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, to implement the Arab Strategy for the Elderly, which was endorsed by the Arab Summit in the Republic of Tunisia. This strategy seeks to uphold the rights of the elderly, reinforce their societal standing, and harness the valuable contributions and capacities that many of them continue to offer.