Doha: The Ministry of Social Development, in cooperation with the League of Arab States, organised a regional side event titled 'The Road to Inclusive Social Development: From Empowerment to Independent Living (Bahrain as a Case Study)' on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. The session was attended by Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the 44th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, Lulwa Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and representatives of regional and international organisations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Alawi highlighted Bahrain's success, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in developing an integrated social protection system that promotes inclusion, supports people with determination, and enhances family stability. He stated that Bahrain is transitioning from a support-based model to one focused on empowerment and active participation, reflecting a broader Arab vision to make citizens effective partners in development.
The programme included discussions on social empowerment and policies supporting people with determination. Additionally, the next edition of the Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award for Productive Families was announced. On the sidelines, the minister inaugurated the third Independent Living Initiative for people with determination and the Arab Exhibition for Productive Families, which focused on the connection between disability inclusion, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Al Alawi remarked that the initiative represents an Arab vision that shifts from care to empowerment and integration, highlighting Bahrain's pride in hosting its previous edition in Manama. He also participated in a League of Arab States high-level session on inclusive integration and poverty eradication, emphasising that empowerment and poverty reduction are crucial to sustainable social development.
Furthermore, Al Alawi met with Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family of Qatar, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation, exchanging expertise, and advancing family support and social development initiatives between the two countries. Zeyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, participated in a session on future ageing initiatives, where he reviewed Bahrain's efforts to empower senior citizens. The session also featured a presentation on the third edition of the Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women's Empowerment, organised by the SCW in cooperation with UN Women.