Qatar Chairs 10th Meeting of GGC Ministers of Social Affairs and Development -1-

In turn, HE Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi expressed his sincere gratitude to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, as well as to Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries, for the support and generous patronage of joint Gulf work and development in all fields, including social development. In his speech on the occasion, His Excellency noted that the valuable and fruitful efforts of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Social Affairs and Development of the GCC member states, under the guidance of Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries, have significantly contributed to enhancing the achievements of joint GCC work with regards to social development. He highlighted the progress made in women's affairs in the Gulf, including their empowerment and crucial role in economic development programs, as well as their active participation in joint GCC work. H is Excellency pointed out that women's economic participation rate in GCC countries has risen to 43.2 percent, with women holding 49 percent of senior government positions and 30.9 percent of top administrative roles (legislators and managers) in the private sector. Furthermore, he added that womens employment in the government sector stands at 43.4 percent, while in the private sector at 38.2 percent. His Excellency said that these figures reflect GCC leaders' significant support for GCC women, enhance their regional and global standing. The GCC Secretary-General stressed Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC states' commitment to supporting joint charitable work and improving related services. He highlighted that GCC countries contribute USD 210 billion annually to charitable causes worldwide, which is a source of pride for all Gulf citizens. During the meeting, Their Excellencies the Ministers of Social Affairs and Development of GCC member states discussed several topics of shared inter est, including the GCC social development strategy and its initiatives, the GCC Strategy for Joint Charitable and Humanitarian Work (2025-2030), the GCC Strategy for Joint Gulf Work for Women's Affairs (2025-2030), along with the 7th Gulf Theatre Festival for Persons with Disability, to take place in Doha in December, in addition to the 3rd report on the implementation and monitoring of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in the GCC, and the Secretariat General's efforts to strengthen relations with regional and international organizations concerned with social issues. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Ministry of Social Development and Family signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State of Kuwait's Ministry of Social Affairs to enhance and strengthen their fraternal relations and achieve mutual goals regarding social affairs. Furthermore, the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State of Kuwait's Minist ry of Social Affairs to promote cooperation in the development, support, and encouragement of charitable and humanitarian work, as well as regulating and supervising these activities in both countries. Furthermore, the Ministry of Social Development and Family signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. This agreement aims to enhance constructive cooperation in social development areas, particularly with regards to family affairs and social services, stemming from their conviction in the need for fruitful bilateral cooperation. On the sidelines of the GCC Ministerial Meetings on Civil Service, Labor, and Social Development, an honoring ceremony was held on Tuesday for a distinguished group of administrators, personalities, institutions, and leading companies in the fields of social development and work in GCC states. Source: Qatar News Agency