Doha: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized that Gulf women have taken a central role in social innovation, creating solutions that enhance their communities through initiatives, projects, and digital solutions targeting society’s most vulnerable groups.
According to Qatar News Agency, Albudaiwi noted that the GCC states have seen significant progress in women’s empowerment, with their increasing involvement in the labor market boosting productivity and driving economic diversification. He added that women’s empowerment is a crucial element in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and empowering women and girls.
Albudaiwi made these remarks during his participation in the event “She Builds: Women Innovating Social Solutions for an Inclusive Future” at the 2nd World Summit for Social Development in Doha.
Furthermore, Albudaiwi confirmed that sustainable human development is a strategic priority for the GCC states. He highlighted that the Gulf experience has shown that balancing economic growth with social development is key to stability and prosperity, with the three pillars of development being interconnected.
During a high-level session on strengthening the three pillars of social development, Albudaiwi addressed themes of poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion. He noted that the GCC states have adopted an integrated approach that connects economic and social policies, focusing on economic diversification, creating quality jobs, supporting social protection programs, and empowering women and youth.
He mentioned the GCC Sustainable Development Strategy (2010-2025), which aims to build a prosperous and cohesive society that ensures human dignity and a decent standard of living throughout life stages. Albudaiwi also stressed the importance of global partnerships to ensure a just transition to a green and digital economy and improve access to finance and technology.
The GCC’s significant role in providing humanitarian and development support was underscored, with the states contributing around USD 14 billion between 2020 and 2025, ranking as the fourth-largest humanitarian donor globally and second among regional organizations.
The GCC Secretary-General reiterated the GCC’s dedication to implementing programs and initiatives aimed at poverty eradication, youth and women empowerment, ensuring equal opportunities, and developing education and social protection systems. These efforts, he said, lay the groundwork for comprehensive development and social justice, building more equitable and sustainable societies.