Amman, Dec. 18 (Petra) -- The 45th regular session of the Council of Arab Ministers for Social Affairs concluded in Amman on Thursday, chaired by Jordan after it assumed the presidency from Bahrain.
The session coincided with the conclusion of the high-level Arab conference on implementing the declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development.
The council approved a number of resolutions related to its work following extensive discussions among participating delegations.
The council had earlier endorsed the Amman Statement issued by the high-level Arab conference, reaffirming commitment to advancing social development in Arab countries and strengthening Arab-Arab and Arab-international cooperation, particularly with the United Nations system, to implement the Doha Political Declaration in line with relevant Arab summit resolutions and ministerial decisions.
The Amman Statement highlighted key social and economic challenges facing the Arab region, notably multidimensional poverty, unemployment, inequality, the repercussions of conflicts and humanitarian crises, demographic changes, and digital divides, stressing the need for integrated social interventions, with particular focus on the State of Palestine.
Participants emphasized prioritizing groups most in need of social protection, especially persons with disabilities, the elderly, women, and children, while strengthening social inclusion and economic empowerment policies and ensuring equitable access to education, health care, and basic services.
They also agreed to develop a comprehensive Arab action plan to implement the Doha Declaration, aligned with the Arab Vision 2045, focusing on relief mechanisms, early recovery and reconstruction, food and water security, technological integration and artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, and entrepreneurship.
The statement called for intensified efforts to implement the Arab Strategic Framework for the Eradication of Multidimensional Poverty, support the operation of the Arab Center for Social Policy Studies and Poverty Eradication in Jordan, uphold the rights of persons with disabilities, implement the Amman-Berlin Declaration, and promote social dialogue.
Participants requested that the Amman Statement be submitted to the upcoming Arab Summit for endorsement as a reference Arab document. At the close of the council and conference, they expressed appreciation to Jordan for its hospitality and organization, reaffirming their commitment to implementing the Amman Statement to advance social development across the region.
Jordan’s hosting of the 45th session comes within the framework of strengthening joint Arab action and reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a key partner in shaping social policies that support comprehensive development, enhance regional cooperation, and contribute to building more efficient and sustainable social protection and development systems across Arab societies.
//Petra// AO
