Doha: The journey has remained a model of unity, effective integration, and constructive cooperation, despite all regional and international challenges and changes. It has become a pioneering model at both the regional and international levels, across all fronts and in various fields, affirmed GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
According to Qatar News Agency, addressing the celebration commemorating the 44th anniversary of the GCC founding at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat, Albudaiwi stated that celebrating the 44th anniversary of the launch of the GCC blessed journey represents an occasion to recall with pride and gratitude the wise vision of the founding leaders who established this venerable entity. Built on deep fraternal ties, a shared destiny, and a shared history among the peoples of the GCC states, the entity stands on solid foundations.
The GCC chief emphasized that the current leaders continue this journey with unwavering determination, maintaining a constant focus on strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among peoples and consolidating the foundations of joint Gulf action, to achieve prosperity and development for their countries and societies.
He noted that the GCC journey has witnessed luminous milestones and achievements that have contributed to consolidating Gulf integration in various fields. The GCC states have become a model to be emulated in collective action and a reliable partner regionally and internationally. Thanks to their strategic vision and balanced policies, which are based on upholding values of security and peace, they have become the focus of worldwide attention.
He pointed out that the growing influence of the Council is reflected in recent events, such as the GCC-EU Summit followed by the GCC-US Summit, and the upcoming summits with ASEAN and China. These summits clearly affirm the GCC's stature and pivotal role in shaping international relations.
Albudaiwi emphasized that these high-level summits between Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, and their counterparts in these countries, along with the 15 ministerial meetings held with other countries, highlight the Council's ability to build bridges of cooperation with East and West. They also reflect the global appreciation and respect enjoyed by the Gulf states.
In this regard, Albudaiwi reviewed some of the economic achievements made during the past period. The GCC countries ranked as the 11th largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $2.1 trillion. The average per capita GDP reached approximately $36,800, three times the global average, reflecting rising income levels and improved quality of life for Gulf citizens.
He explained that economic growth in the GCC countries is expected to continue at a higher pace in 2025, reaching 4.5%, with growth in the non-oil sector reaching approximately 3.3% in the same year. This will place the GCC countries collectively among the seven largest global financial regions.
In the field of sustainable development, Albudaiwi said that GCC countries have seen significant growth in their production capacity from clean energy sources. The GCC countries' electricity production capacity from renewable sources has reached 30% of total production in the Middle East and 54.5% of wind energy production globally.
The Secretary-General also noted that intra-GCC trade has witnessed growth, with the volume of intra-GCC exports reaching $131.6 billion, reflecting the depth of economic integration. The total capital of public joint-stock companies whose shares are permitted to be traded by citizens of other GCC countries has reached $520.4 billion, demonstrating the flow of Gulf capital.
In the field of higher education, Albudaiwi explained that the number of Gulf students enrolled in higher education institutions in GCC countries has reached approximately 12,800 students, enhancing the exchange of competencies. The GCC countries are also among the most prepared in the world to implement the digital economy, with the government readiness index for artificial intelligence exceeding the global average.
In this context, Albudaiwi said that, in keeping pace with digital and technological transformation, the Ministers of Information of the GCC countries launched the joint application for the GCC news agencies. The General Secretariat also launched the GCC Statistics smartphone application, offering accurate indicators on development, the economy, society, and the environment.
The Secretary-General emphasized that, based on the directives of the GCC leaders to empower and highlight the role of women and youth in the GCC countries, the Secretariat has established two events during the previous period. The first was for Gulf women, titled "Inspiring Gulf Women," to highlight the achievements of Gulf women and the efforts of the GCC countries in the field of women's empowerment. The second event was the "Gulf Youth Day," aimed at supporting and motivating youth and highlighting their creativity and achievements in various fields. These initiatives affirmed the General Secretariat's support for all segments of society.