|  | | 1/17/2026 1:11 AM |  وليد الدغباسي | 1/17/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), welcomed the announcement to proceed with the second phase of the Gaza agreement and the step regarding the formation of a Palestinian National Committee to assume the administration of the Gaza Strip in a transitional capacity, based on relevant international frameworks.
His Excellency expressed his appreciation for the announcement made by United States President Donald Trump regarding the Peace Council, as well as the international efforts led by the State of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to support the implementation of all stages of the Gaza agreement, emphasising that achieving permanent security and stability in the region is fundamentally contingent upon a just and comprehensive political path.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi further underscored the vital importance of empowering the Palestinian National Committee to fully discharge its duties within the Gaza Strip, while simultaneously underscoring the necessity of solidifying a permanent ceasefire, halting all forms of violations, and ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip to accelerate early recovery initiatives.
Furthermore, His Excellency reaffirmed the GCC’s unwavering stance in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the termination of the Israeli occupation of all Palestinian territories and the realisation of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the principle of the two-state solution.
| | | HE GCCSG Commends Announcement to Proceed with the 2nd Phase of the Gaza Agreement and the Formation of a Palestinian National Committee | 2026 | | | | 1/15/2026 8:47 AM | وليد الدغباسي | 1/15/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 | Under the patronage and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Riyadh Region, His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Riyadh.
The event was attended by Their Excellencies the Ministers of Education of the GCC member states, along with heads of regional and international organisations.
At the outset of his speech, His Excellency expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of ABEGS.
He also commended the continuous support provided to the education sector by Their Majesties and Highnesses, the GCC leaders, stemming from their firm belief that education is the cornerstone of nation-building, future-making, and the promotion of stability and sustainable development.
"The directives and patronage of Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC member states have been instrumental in enabling Gulf institutions, including ABEGS, to fulfill their noble mission and carry out their pioneering roles effectively," His Excellency stated.
Furthermore, His Excellency praised the valuable efforts and participation of colleagues from the Republic of Yemen in the Bureau’s work and achievements.
His Excellency emphasised that for five decades, the Bureau has consistently enhanced its accomplishments and solidified its noble mission, driven by a steadfast belief that education represents the solid foundation for comprehensive development and the true lever for integration and progress.
"Throughout this distinguished journey, the Bureau has played an active role in supporting education policies, developing curricula, empowering teachers, building educational leadership, and reinforcing Gulf values and identity. This is in addition to keeping pace with rapid global transformations, most notably digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications," His Excellency underscored.
He highlighted that these efforts culminated in ABEGS receiving numerous international awards and accolades, reaffirming its leading role in promoting education across the GCC and the wider region.
His Excellency extended his sincere thanks to all personnel in the educational sector for their dedicated efforts in serving education within member states, and for the qualitative initiatives and pioneering projects that have contributed to unifying visions, exchanging expertise, and deepening educational cooperation.
His Excellency further thanked the Ministries of Education in member states for their close and fruitful cooperation with the Bureau and their continuous support for its programmes and activities, and their steadfast belief in the importance of integrated efforts in advancing education and achieving the shared goals "we aspire to for our sons and daughters".
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi reaffirmed his full support for ABEGS, expressing confidence in its ability to continue its leading role in forecasting the future of education and building flexible, innovative educational models rooted in "our values and identity to prepare future generations for leadership".
In conclusion, His Excellency expressed his deepest gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh, for his patronage and presence, and for his constant support of the GCC General Secretariat and its affiliated offices in Riyadh.
He beseeched Almighty Allah to bless all their collective efforts, to bestow continued security, stability, and prosperity upon us, and to grant the Bureau further success, contribution, and excellence in serving the education of "our children".
 
| | | HE GCCSG: Over Five Decades, the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States has Played a Pivotal Role in Supporting Education Policies, Developing Curricula, Building Educational Leadership, and Reinforcing Gulf Values and Identity | 2026 | | | | 1/15/2026 1:40 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 1/15/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the GCC member states, guided by the wise directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC, attach the utmost importance to the Gulf child as a fundamental cornerstone in the construction of societies and the architecture of the future.
These remarks were delivered during His Excellency’s speech today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, on the occasion of Gulf Children’s Day, which is celebrated annually on the fifteenth of January.
His Excellency stated that the Council states are deeply committed to family affairs across all demographics, noting that Their Majesties and Highnesses the GCC leaders have previously directed studies to mitigate the negative impacts of certain media outlets on the youth.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the Advisory Authority of the Supreme Council in the Sultanate of Oman was tasked with evaluating and developing child culture programmes, while the GCC Supreme Council approved the "Muscat Document on Rules for the Protection of Children during the Investigation Phase" in 2023.
"The Gulf Children’s Day serves as a vital platform to highlight and raise awareness of children's rights in various fields, specifically regarding health and education. To support this objective, the GCC Statistical Centre has launched specialised educational booklets for children in the field of statistics. These publications present Gulf-wide data and statistics in a simplified and objective manner tailored to the target age group, aiming to instill a spirit of belonging and a sense of Gulf unity within the younger generation," His Excellency stated.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi further addressed the global challenges facing families amidst increasing digital and technological openness, which directly impacts social stability.
"Consequently, the GCC states have intensified their efforts to educate children, youth, and families on the proper use of technology while consolidating the concepts of citizenship and Gulf identity. This has been achieved through the launch of a joint digital initiative titled 'Digital Safety for the Gulf Child,' which was officially adopted by the GCC Ministers of Information during their 27th meeting. This initiative aims to guide children between the ages of 5 and 18 on how to safely navigate content on websites and social media platforms, raising awareness regarding the risks of digital misuse and providing training on safe internet practices and appropriate responses to potential abuse or danger," His Excellency explained.
His Excellency also emphasised the GCC's dedicated focus on child education, noting that member states ensure the provision of essential services in schools free of charge.
"These services include high-speed internet access, textbooks, educational computers, and infrastructure specifically adapted for students with disabilities, alongside basic health facilities," His Excellency added.
His Excellency the GCC Secretary General concluded by highlighting that the implementation rate of these essential educational services has reached 100% across all schools in all GCC member states.
| | | HE GCCSG: Member States Prioritise the Gulf Child as a Strategic Pillar for Building Societies and Shaping the Future | 2026 | | | | 1/15/2026 6:58 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 1/15/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held a meeting with the heads of the GCC missions and foreign offices today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, via video conference.
At the commencement of the proceedings, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi commended the sincere efforts and dedicated service provided by the heads and staff of the foreign missions and offices, noting that their diligent work effectively reflects the positive image of the Cooperation Council and contributes significantly to enhancing its regional and international standing while translating its shared objectives across all levels.
The meeting involved a comprehensive discussion on various mechanisms and proposals designed to modernise and strengthen the performance of these foreign entities, with a focus on raising operational efficiency to meet the demands of the current era and bolstering their capacity in supporting cooperation frameworks and strategic partnerships with individual nations as well as regional and international organisations.
Furthermore, His Excellency listened to the interventions of the heads of missions and offices, which featured constructive insights and practical recommendations aimed at elevating the standard of operations and streamlining coordination between these missions and the General Secretariat to ensure the successful realisation of the Council's broader objectives.
In his concluding remarks, His Excellency reaffirmed the pivotal role played by the GCC’s foreign missions and offices as essential pillars in sustaining the achievements of the Council’s historical progress.
He emphasised their importance in fortifying the GCC’s influential role on the regional and international stages, while calling for a continued commitment to a collaborative team spirit that aligns with the aspirations and interests of the GCC member states and their peoples.
 
| | | HE GCCSG Meets with Heads of Missions and Foreign Offices of the Council Member States | 2026 | | | | 1/13/2026 1:14 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 1/13/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the 5th Ministerial Roundtable of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF).
The forum is hosted and organised by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the participation of a distinguished assembly of global decision-makers and industry leaders.
His Excellency expressed his profound appreciation for the pioneering role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in advancing the mining sector through strategic initiatives and the hosting of this prestigious international forum.
"These efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reinforcing the status of minerals as a fundamental pillar of economic development and a key driver of economic diversification," His Excellency stated.
Furthermore, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi praised the FMF’s growing stature as an influential international framework that contributes to shaping collective visions for the requirements and future of the minerals sector while addressing its prevailing challenges.
"The GCC member states are placing an increasing strategic focus on the minerals and mining industry, recognising its promising potential to catalyse economic growth, bolster industrial security, and ensure the optimal utilisation of natural resources," His Excellency concluded.
 
| | | HE GCCSG Participates in the 5th Ministerial Roundtable of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) | 2026 | | | | 1/13/2026 2:12 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 1/13/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), commended the tireless efforts of the Permanent Committee for Women's Affairs in the GCC member states.
He highlighted its pivotal role in enhancing the participation of Gulf women across comprehensive development paths, in alignment with the aspirations and future developmental visions of the GCC countries.
These remarks were delivered during His Excellency’s speech at the 4th Meeting of the Permanent Committee for Women's Affairs, held today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, via video conference.
The meeting was chaired by Her Excellency Ms Lulwa bint Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Women in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chair of the current session.
It was attended by Their Excellencies, the committee members, as well as representatives from the GCC Statistical Centre and the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs.
His Excellency underscored the prominent standing of Gulf women and the distinguished levels of influence they have achieved in various regional and international fields of work and development.
He also praised their active contributions to the journey of nation-building and prosperity, as well as their significant role in the decision-making process.
Concluding his remarks, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi expressed his wishes for the meeting’s success, hoping it yields recommendations that further bolster the landmark achievements of Gulf women.
| | | HE GCCSG Commends the Efforts of the Permanent Committee for Women's Affairs in GCC States | 2026 | | | | 1/10/2026 12:30 AM | وليد الدغباسي | 1/10/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed the Council’s profound concern and regret regarding the damage sustained by the Embassy of the sisterly State of Qatar in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of recent shelling in the city.
His Excellency underscored the imperative of upholding the international rules and conventions governing diplomatic relations, which guarantee the protection and immunity of diplomatic missions, their personnel, and their premises.
He further stressed the necessity of shielding diplomatic facilities from the repercussions of armed conflicts to ensure their safety.
Furthermore, His Excellency reaffirmed the GCC’s steadfast position regarding the Russia-Ukraine crisis, advocating for peaceful resolutions and prioritising the language of dialogue and diplomatic channels.
He reiterated the Council’s support for all international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in a manner consistent with the principles of international law and the provisions of the United Nations Charter.
| | | HE GCCSG Expresses Concern and Regret over Damage to State of Qatar Embassy in Kyiv | 2026 | | | | 1/8/2026 8:20 AM | نوره فريد السويدان | 1/8/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the official ceremony marking the Republic of Cyprus’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
The event was held, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia, in the presence of His Excellency President Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, alongside several heads of state, EU leaders, senior representatives, and officials from regional and international organisations.
During the ceremony, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi extended his congratulations to His Excellency the President of Cyprus on assuming the EU Presidency.
"The GCC’s participation in this high-level event underscores the depth of the Gulf-Cypriot partnership and the enduring historical ties among the GCC and the EU," His Excellency pointed out.
He highlighted the ongoing development and coordination between the two blocks across various fields of mutual interest.
His Excellency further expressed the GCC's commitment to strengthening Gulf-European relations and building upon established successes in cooperation. "This collaboration aims to serve shared interests while bolstering regional and international stability and development," His Excellency stressed.
In his concluding remarks, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General wished the Republic of Cyprus every success during its presidency of the Council of the EU.
He expressed confidence that this tenure will advance joint cooperation and elevate dialogue and strategic partnerships between the GCC and the EU across various fields of mutual interest.
Furthermore, he underlined the importance of collective action and the alignment of views on regional and international issues to contribute to the security and stability of the region and the world at large.
  
| | | HE GCCSG Participates in the Republic of Cyprus's EU Presidency Inauguration Ceremony | 2026 | | | | 1/5/2026 1:05 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 1/5/2026 | Secretary General | | 1 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), received Mr Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Executive Director of the World Bank Group, and Mr Suhail Al Saeed, Executive Director of the World Bank Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Monday (January 5, 2026) at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they discussed areas of cooperation between the GCC and the World Bank Group, in addition to reviewing a number of proposed initiatives and programmes between the two sides.
| | | HE GCCSG Receives the Executive Director of the World Bank Group and the Executive Director of the World Bank Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | 2026 | | | | 12/29/2025 12:58 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 12/29/2025 | Secretary General | | 12 |
His Highness Shaikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, received His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), on Monday (December 29, 2025) at Bayan Palace in the State of Kuwait.
During the meeting, HE the Secretary General listened to the directives of HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait, which emphasised the importance of continuing to support the progress of the Cooperation Council and strengthening integration efforts among its member states, in order to fulfill the aspirations of their peoples for greater security, stability, prosperity, and development.
HE the Secretary General presented to His Highness a report on the State of Kuwait’s presidency of the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, expressing his thanks and appreciation to HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait for his presidency of the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council, and for the State of Kuwait’s support for the work of the General Secretariat of the GCC.
| | | HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait Receives HE GCCSG | 2025 |
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