Latest news with #GCCGeneralSecretariat
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Finance minister participates in launch of 'All of the Gulf is One Nation' campaign
KUWAIT: Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari has participated in the launch of 'All of the Gulf is One Nation' campaign, a unified media initiative led by the GCC General Secretariat. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the rights and entitlements enjoyed by GCC citizens across all member states, reflecting the spirit of shared Gulf citizenship. Commenting on the launch, Al Kuwari said it "reflects the spirit of cooperation among GCC countries and helps raise awareness among Gulf citizens of their rights and opportunities in various fields". Meanwhile, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi said the campaign "embodies the vision of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC in building a unified Gulf system based on the principles of justice and equality". "It reflects a firm commitment to strengthening Gulf brotherhood and consolidating the foundations of unity and integration among our peoples." The campaign highlights the equal opportunities and benefits available to citizens of the GCC states across various economic and social sectors. These include the freedom of movement and residence, the right to engage in economic and investment activities, and access to healthcare and education services without discrimination—all of which contribute to a shared sense of belonging and a unified Gulf identity. The campaign was officially announced during the 123rd meeting of the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee, held in the State of Kuwait. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of the State of Kuwait HE Engineer Noora Sulaiman Al Fassam, with the attendance of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Finance and Economy from the member states, along with the participation of the Secretary-Generalofthe GCC. The media campaign will run for six months across all GCC countries as part of a comprehensive media strategy aimed at reinforcing the concept of Gulf citizenship, showcasing the tangible achievements, and increasing awareness of the rights and opportunities available to citizens under the framework of comprehensive GCC cooperation.
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait committed to enhancing GCC digital integration
KUWAIT: Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) Najat Ibrahim affirmed Kuwait's commitment to advancing digital integration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, with the aim of improving government services, meeting citizens' aspirations, and supporting sustainable development goals. Speaking at the 27th meeting of the GCC Digital Government Executive Committee, hosted by Kuwait on Monday, Ibrahim highlighted the importance of strengthening joint Gulf efforts in the field of digital governance. The meeting was attended by representatives from ministries and entities concerned with digital government across GCC countries, along with officials from the GCC General Secretariat. Ibrahim noted that the meeting coincides with the 44th anniversary of the GCC's establishment, an occasion that underscores the spirit of Gulf unity and drives efforts to build on past achievements. She praised the GCC General Secretariat for its coordination and support in facilitating the committee's work, describing the gathering as a significant milestone in the region's digital transformation journey. The 27th Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Digital Government of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. – KUNA photos The committee's agenda included discussions on the future of digital transformation across GCC states, as well as a review of initiatives under the guiding e-government strategy for the period 2024–2030. Members also evaluated the unified framework for digital access and preparations for the sixth session of the Digital Government Award. Ibrahim added that the committee approved a new initiative to develop a unified Gulf strategy for artificial intelligence. This will include organizing workshops and discussion groups with sectors across the region that have demonstrated success in AI applications, including the development of AI-driven games. — KUNA
Arab Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait hosts the 22nd GCC Wildlife Conservation meeting
KUWAIT CITY, May 25: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) affirmed on Sunday that the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Their Natural Habitats in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states underscores the ongoing commitment to environmental cooperation and the protection of the Gulf's natural heritage. Acting EPA Director General Nouf Behbehani told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the meeting, which commenced in Kuwait today, aligns with directives from GCC leaders to strengthen joint environmental efforts, preserve natural resources, and ensure biodiversity sustainability across the region. The gathering brings together representatives from GCC states, environmental experts, and officials from the GCC General Secretariat. Key agenda items include updating the regional environmental operational plan through 2030, discussing Kuwait's proposal to establish technical working groups for biodiversity-related environmental agreements, and preparations for the inaugural Gulf Wildlife Conference. The conference will focus on enhancing cooperation in implementing international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Additionally, discussions will cover the approval of a unified logo for Gulf Wildlife Day and the development of new mechanisms for transferring ownership of falcons and protecting wildlife. The meeting is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations and executive plans, including the adoption of a unified framework for accrediting electronic permits under the CITES Agreement and the approval of upcoming training workshops focusing on protecting threatened species and rehabilitating ecosystems. Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, emphasized the significance of the meeting in achieving wildlife conservation goals and praised Kuwait's proactive role in implementing international environmental agreements. He commended the continuous efforts of GCC representatives, environmental experts, and the General Secretariat in safeguarding the Gulf environment and promoting sustainable development for future generations. The 22nd meeting reflects the GCC's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and regional collaboration in preserving the Gulf's rich biodiversity.
Trade Arabia
21-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
GCC attracted 68.1m international visitors in 2023
GCC countries welcomed 68.1 million international visitors in 2023, with tourism revenues amounting to $110.4 billion for the same year, according to GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. The vistor numbers saw a growth rate of 42.8% compared to 2019, achieving 52.9% of the GCC's 2030 targets. Albudaiwi emphasised, accrding to a GCC General Secretariat press release, that the approval of projects under the Gulf Tourism Strategy 2023–2030 aims to enhance the tourism position of the GCC countries regionally and internationally. This initiative aligns with the directives of the leaders of the GCC countries, and is supported by the efforts of the Committee of Their Excellencies Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC. Albudaiwi made these remarks during a speech at the 9th meeting of the Committee of Their Excellencies Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC, held in Kuwait. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs in Kuwait Abdul Rahman Badah Al Mutairi, President of the current session. The Secretary-General expressed pride in the remarkable achievements of Gulf countries, which enhance their standing on the international stage and reaffirm the GCC's commitment to a prosperous future for the region's tourism sector. "Additionally, tourism revenues amounted to $110.4 billion for 2023, with a growth rate of 28.2% compared to 2019, marking a significant leap that exceeded all expectations, achieving 58.7% of the 2030 target of $188 billion. The market share of the GCC countries in global tourism stood at 5.2% for arrivals and 7.2% for international tourism revenues, solidifying their position as a key hub in the global tourism scene," he said. In terms of GDP contribution, Albudaiwi confirmed that the tourism sector made a notable economic contribution of $223.4 billion to the GCC's GDP, with an annual growth rate of 29.4% between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the tourism sector added 1.5 million jobs in 2023, with a growth rate of 17% compared to 2020, he pointed out.
