Bahrain’s Minister of Social Development, Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, said the Arabian Gulf countries have made significant strides in driving social growth, and are at the forefront in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. She, however, pointed out that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for formulating social development policies as each country has specific requirements.

 

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Social Affairs, Dr Yusuf bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen, said the key factors that determine the process of social development include the ability of governments to find funding, which is particularly applicable for non-GCC countries in the Arab world, and the role that families play in supporting their underprivileged members. He said promoting social cohesion is imperative.

 

Jordan’s Minister of Social Development, Reem Abu Hassan, said the country has implemented several path-breaking social development initiatives, adding that the region must focus on moving from being ‘welfare states’ to empowering its citizens.

 

The panelists discussed the challenges in social development particularly on social affairs ministries working in silos, and called for integrating the roles of different ministries to achieve collective goals. They also pointed out that social assistance is often perceived as a right by the citizens, which is met by the governments by providing large amounts of subsidies. This, in turn, leads to citizens not being mindful of wastage of resources that is detrimental to sustainable growth.

 

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