Under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Arab Youth Council for Integrated Development, in cooperation and joint organisation with the Department of Civil Society Organisations in the Social Affairs Sector of the General Secretariat, held the conference "Civil Society and Arab Youth: Partners in Overcoming Challenges," under the slogan "Together We Overcome Challenges," on 27 October at the League's General Secretariat headquarters.
In his address on the occasion, Ambassador Dr. Khaled Manzalawi, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the International Political Affairs Sector, affirmed that the conference was convened within the framework of the League of Arab States' commemoration of its 80th anniversary, reflecting its belief in the importance of multilateral action to confront political challenges. He noted that the House of the Arabs has witnessed numerous historical milestones that have shaped the political history of Arab states and peoples, and have enhanced cooperation across various fields to achieve comprehensive development. He added that joint Arab efforts have also led to the establishment of numerous cooperation forums and the strengthening of Arab relations with major regional and international powers, as well as with regional blocs and international organisations.
Ambassador Manzalawi called on Arab youth to persevere in their efforts and keep pace with the tremendous technological advancements unfolding worldwide, in order to achieve a qualitative leap towards a knowledge-based society and digital transformation. He further urged the integration of youth into decision-making and their empowerment to actively contribute to the process of development and progress. He recalled that the Baghdad Declaration, issued by the Council of the League of Arab States at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Arab Summit, as well as the Fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit—both held in Baghdad, Republic of Iraq, on 17 May 2015—affirmed the importance of strengthening the role of Arab youth and civil society in shaping the future of Arab development.
The conference was attended by His Eminence Professor Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Republic and Secretary-General of Fatwa Institutions Worldwide; His Excellency Dr. Mufid Shehab, Professor of International Law and former Minister of Higher Education; representatives of the Minister of Youth and Sports and of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark; His Eminence Sharif Sayyid Mahmoud Al-Sharaf, head of the Syndicate of Ashraf; as well as members of the permanent delegations of Arab states.
Following the conclusion of the opening session, the participants toured the League of Arab States' Museum Exhibition, "Biography and Journey," which presents narrative displays chronicling the story of the League of Arab States since its establishment and highlighting its pivotal role in supporting liberation movements in Arab countries and promoting economic, social, and cultural cooperation among its member states.
