The 114th session of the Economic and Social Council at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo will begin with preparatory meetings on August 2, leading to ministerial-level discussions on September 5, chaired by the UAE, focusing on enhancing Arab economic and social cooperation.
The Social Committee will address key issues such as lifelong learning, literacy, social development, and initiatives like the Culture and Green Future Initiative, alongside proposals for youth and retiree volunteer centers to support the elderly.
The Economic Committee will discuss critical topics including the Arab Food Security Status Report, sustainable agricultural and aquaculture strategies, the "Madak" Space Initiative, and the establishment of the Arab Housing and Reconstruction Bank.
Cairo, August 01, 2024 – The Arab League headquarters in Cairo is set to become a hub of activity tomorrow as the preparatory meetings for the 114th session of the Economic and Social Council commence. These meetings will pave the way for the session's ministerial-level discussions, scheduled to take place on September 5 under the chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates. This gathering is poised to deepen Arab economic and social cooperation, addressing a wide array of critical issues that hold significant implications for the region's future.
At the forefront of these discussions is the Social Committee, which will engage in deliberations on pivotal topics such as the Arab Strategy for Lifelong Learning. This strategy aims to create a more equitable landscape for learning opportunities across the Arab world, ensuring that social support systems are robust enough to promote fairness and inclusivity. The committee will also focus on the Second Arab Decade for Literacy and Adult Education, underscoring the importance of eradicating illiteracy and enhancing educational access for all age groups. Additionally, the agenda includes discussions on fostering Arab-international collaboration in social development, a crucial step towards addressing the region's social challenges with a more unified and comprehensive approach.
The Social Committee will also explore forward-thinking initiatives like the Culture and Green Future Initiative, which seeks to integrate cultural preservation with sustainable development. Another significant proposal on the table is the establishment of volunteer centers for youths and retirees, aimed at providing support to the elderly—a demographic that requires increased attention and care as the region's population ages.
The Economic Committee will convene on September 2 and 3, with a focus on pressing economic matters. High on the agenda is the review of the Arab Food Security Status Report for 2023, which will provide valuable insights into the current state of food security across the Arab world. This discussion will be closely linked to progress reports on the Arab Program for Food Security Sustainability and the Arab Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy (2020-2030), both of which are key to ensuring that the region can meet its food needs sustainably in the coming decades. The committee will also delve into the Arab Strategy for Sustainable Management of Pastoral Resources (2020-2040) and the Arab Aquaculture Strategy (2018-2037), reflecting a comprehensive approach to managing the region's agricultural and aquatic resources.
Innovative initiatives are also on the Economic Committee's radar, including the "Madak" Space Initiative, which represents the Arab world's growing interest in space exploration and technology. Moreover, the proposal to establish the Arab Housing and Reconstruction Bank will be discussed, with the aim of addressing housing and reconstruction needs across the region, particularly in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.
The preparatory meetings will culminate on September 4 with a session of the Economic and Social Council at the senior officials' level, setting the stage for the main event on September 5. On this day, Arab Finance and Economy Ministers will convene to finalize decisions and strategies that will shape the future of economic and social policies in the Arab world. This 114th session of the Economic and Social Council promises to be a milestone in fostering greater cooperation and development within the region.