Jordan takes part in extraordinary Arab economic council session

AMMAN — Jordan on Monday participated in an extraordinary session of the Arab Economic and Social Council at the ministerial level, chaired by Bahrain, at the League of Arab States headquarters.

The meeting was convened ahead of the 5th Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, set to take place in Baghdad, Iraq, in May.

In her opening remarks, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector Haifa Abu Ghazaleh emphasised the severe impact of ongoing developments in the Arab region. She also condemned Israel's inhumane actions against the Gaza Strip and other occupied Palestinian territories, noting the broader repercussions for Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

Abu Ghazaleh also pointed out that ongoing armed conflicts and instability in several Arab countries have significantly hindered development progress.

She also highlighted key topics on the summit's draft agenda, based on the outcomes of a senior officials' meeting held on Sunday.

These include water security in the Arab region, preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development, the technological revolution and artificial intelligence, food security, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, the completion of the Arab Customs Union, solar energy, human resource investment, the development of school and university health systems, education, and the economic and social empowerment of women.