Riyadh: GCC Secretary General Jassem Mohammad Al-Budaiwi hailed the Gulf Cooperation Council's journey as "an example to be followed in unity, effective integration, and constructive cooperation," during the 44th Anniversary celebration of the GCC Establishment held at the Secretariat in Riyadh. Al-Budaiwi expressed pride in the council's ongoing journey, which began on May 25, 1981, underscoring the significant achievements in joint Gulf cooperation and integration across multiple fields.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi emphasized the vision of the founding leaders, highlighting their role in laying the foundation for the GCC based on fraternal ties, shared destiny, and common history. He noted that despite regional and international challenges, the GCC remains a model of unity and cooperation. The member states have become a reliable partner on the global stage, thanks to their strategic vision emphasizing security, peace, and sustainable development.
He further pointed out the GCC's growing international influence, illustrated by recent high-level summits such as the Gulf-European and Gulf-American meetings, with future engagements planned with ASEAN and China. These interactions underscore the council's crucial role in shaping international relations and building balanced partnerships.
Al-Budaiwi also highlighted the GCC's remarkable economic achievements, noting the council's ranking as the 11th largest economy globally, with a total GDP of USD 2.1 trillion. He projected continued economic growth, with the non-oil sector anticipated to reach 3.3 percent by 2025. The GCC has also made strides in sustainable development, notably in clean energy production, and has achieved significant intra-regional trade growth.
Educationally, approximately 12,800 Gulf students are enrolled in higher education institutions within the GCC, promoting shared economic and educational citizenship. The region is also well-prepared for the digital economy, with significant contributions expected from artificial intelligence by 2030.
In line with technological advancements, GCC Ministers of Information launched a joint news agency application, and a smartphone app was introduced by the GCC Statistical Center, providing comprehensive data on member states. The council also celebrated Gulf women and youth, recognizing their achievements and encouraging further contributions to various fields.