Baghdad: At the conclusion of their 5th Economic and Social Development summit, expressed strong support for various initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the leaders endorsed a Mauritanian initiative focused on developing a "blue economy," as well as a proposal by Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abulgheit on the integration of artificial intelligence across the region.
The summit concluded with the approval of several strategic plans, including the Arab strategy for food security until 2035, a project to provide shelter to displaced families in Palestinian territories, and efforts to counter schemes aimed at displacing Palestinians. The leaders highlighted the importance of investing in health human resources and praised Egypt's efforts in combating hepatitis.
Further agreements included an executive plan for empowering Arab women, a strategy for youth, peace, and security, and initiatives for water security. They also emphasized the need to prepare for the second international summit on social development. The summit called for the removal of barriers to establishing the Arab customs union, which is seen as a precursor to creating a comprehensive Arab free trade zone.
The leaders urged the lifting of sanctions on Syria's energy and electricity sector and approved an updated strategy for manpower development. Acknowledging Iraq's contributions, they supported initiatives for humanitarian and development assistance to Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and Lebanon. Iraq pledged a USD 40 million donation for recovery efforts, with allocations for Gaza and Lebanon.
Iraq's proposal for an Arab action plan to support Syria's transitional period was also welcomed. This plan focuses on building a constitutional and democratic system while safeguarding the political, economic, and social rights of the Syrian people. Additionally, the summit welcomed Iraq's call for Arab countries to engage in the development road project, which aims to enhance economic integration and sustainable development.
The leaders supported initiatives for launching economic programs for the next decade, achieving food security, and advancing artificial intelligence through a Baghdad-based AI center. Iraq's proposals to establish a coalition for water resource protection, enhance inter-Arab cooperation on environmental challenges, and create centers for environmental protection, counter-terrorism, and security coordination were also endorsed. These initiatives aim to address issues of terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, and foster financial and cultural cooperation.