The 84th session of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs kicked off Tuesday, with Kuwait’s participation, to discuss social development priorities and strengthen protection for people with disabilities, the elderly and children.
Kuwait is represented by Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. The meeting is chaired by Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Maya Morsi, with the participation of social affairs ministers and heads of delegations from Palestine, Qatar, Comoros, Lebanon, Libya and Kuwait.
The ministers are discussing several initiatives aimed at developing Arab social policies, including the Arab classification of persons with disabilities, the Arab Social Responsibility Index and the implementation of the social dimensions of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly efforts to eradicate multidimensional poverty and strengthen cooperation with relevant Arab and UN agencies.
The meeting also addresses the implementation of the Amman-Berlin Declaration issued by the Global Disability Summit and the Amman Statement concerning the political declaration of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha in 2025. Discussions also include a proposal to establish an Arab Drug Observatory as part of the Arab plan to prevent and reduce drug-related risks from a social perspective.
The ministers are examining ways to promote recovery and social reintegration, reduce demand for drugs and strengthen Arab cooperation in addressing the impact of climate change on vulnerable social groups.They are also discussing employment governance to improve living standards and the use of digital inclusion, technology and innovation to develop social policies and improve services provided to citizens.
The meeting further addresses family and childhood issues, including the 2030 Development Agenda for Investment in Children, developing professional competencies among early childhood workers, strengthening family empowerment and supporting the role of families and caregivers of persons with disabilities.
The ministers are also reviewing efforts to support the Palestinian people and address the social consequences of developments in Lebanon, alongside initiatives to support social development projects in Arab countries and the Arab Center for Social Development Studies.
The Executive Bureau is expected to conclude its meeting by approving the draft agenda for the 46th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, scheduled to be held in Egypt.
— KUNA
