Cairo: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the 117th Ordinary Session of the Arab Economic and Social Council at the ministerial level, convened at the headquarters of the Secretariat General of the Arab League in Cairo today. This engagement underscores Oman's commitment to bolstering and advancing joint Arab action across economic, social, and developmental spheres.
According to Oman News Agency, the Omani delegation was led by Dr. Nasser bin Rashid Al Maawali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy. The session deliberated on a report submitted by the Secretary-General of the Arab League concerning the follow-up on the implementation of resolutions and recommendations from the preceding 116th session, alongside the progress attained in various Arab economic and social initiatives. Discussions also encompassed preparatory measures for the economic and social dossier slated for presentation to the Arab League Council at the summit level during its upcoming 35th ordinary session, scheduled to be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
A series of economic issues were examined, with focus on developments within the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, the fulfillment of prerequisites for establishing the Arab Customs Union, and the enhancement of customs cooperation and liberalization of services trade among Arab nations. The council further reviewed endeavors to broaden the scope of inter-Arab investment and assessed advancements in the new Arab Investment Agreement project, which incorporates international best practices and aims to fortify the regional investment climate.
Several member-state proposals were tabled, including a draft charter for the Council of Arab Commerce Ministers and the proposed establishment of an Arab Ministerial Council for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies. The impact of artificial intelligence on the future of employment in Arab countries was also scrutinized, emphasizing the imperative of harnessing modern technologies to underpin sustainable development and align with global economic shifts.
The meeting accorded consideration to environmental and climatic concerns, evaluating the role of civil protection in environmental safeguarding and quality of life assurance. Deliberations extended to the Comprehensive Arab Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change and regional initiatives targeting desertification mitigation, climate change adaptation, and the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
In relation to bolstering the business landscape, the Council engaged with initiatives designed to amplify the economic contribution of small and medium enterprises and startups, refine the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and ensure their integration into global supply chains-a strategy envisioned to diversify Arab economies and generate sustainable employment.
On the social development front, the agenda included a proposal to inaugurate an Arab Network for Social and Solidarity Economy and the bylaws for the Arab Region Population Excellence Award. The session also monitored the implementation of the Arab Observatory for the Economic Empowerment of Women, reflecting a focus on advancing social equity, women's empowerment, and support for the most vulnerable segments within Arab societies.
The council further considered matters pertaining to the operations of specialized Arab organizations and joint action institutions under the Arab League's Secretariat General, exploring avenues to enhance their performance and inter-institutional coordination as a means to foster deeper economic and social integration across the Arab world.
Oman's participation in this session reaffirms its dedication to reinforcing collective Arab endeavors, deepening economic and social collaboration, and actively shaping policies and initiatives that advance the aspirations of sustainable development throughout the Arab region.