Manama:The Sultanate of Oman participated in the 12th meeting of the Committee of GCC Ministers of Social Affairs and Social Development, which was held in Manama, Bahrain. The Omani delegation was led by Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, the Minister of Social Development.
According to Oman News Agency, the meeting focused on enhancing joint GCC social initiatives, including implementing decisions from the previous committee meeting and planning actions for 2026-2030. Key topics included the welfare of persons with disabilities, and the rights of children and women across GCC states.
The committee also discussed legislative measures to protect the elderly, updating the GCC Code of Ethics for social work professionals, and strengthening family policies to improve social stability and tackle digital challenges.
Plans to draft a unified Gulf initiative for the welfare of persons with disabilities were examined, alongside the "Purple Saturday" initiative by Saudi Arabia's Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, steps were coordinated for the 8th Gulf Theatre Festival for Persons with Disabilities, set to be held in the United Arab Emirates in March 2027.
The meeting also reviewed a report from the GCC Standing Committee on Women's Affairs, which proposed March 4th as "Gulf Women's Day" annually.
