New York, June 9 (Petra) -- Jordan chaired a high-level Arab coordination meeting on Monday in New York focused on strengthening cooperation on disability rights and broader social development priorities during the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations.

The session was led by Minister of Social Development and President of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, Wafaa Bani Mustafa, and brought together Arab ministers and representatives to align positions on key social issues, particularly those related to persons with disabilities.

Bani Mustafa emphasized the importance of deeper Arab cooperation and the need to unify regional positions in international forums. She said the meeting reflects a growing understanding among Arab states that social development is not a secondary issue, but a core foundation for stability and sustainable progress.

She stressed that addressing social challenges requires integrated policies that link social protection, economic empowerment, and inclusive development. She also called for stronger institutional coordination among Arab countries to improve collective preparedness in responding to regional and global challenges.

The minister highlighted the rising social pressures facing Arab societies, including poverty, unemployment, and gaps in essential services. She urged the adoption of more flexible and comprehensive approaches that prioritize inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities, children, women, youth, and older persons.

Bani Mustafa also underlined the importance of exchanging expertise among Arab states and translating regional and international commitments into practical programs that directly improve people’s lives.

She reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment, under Hashemite leadership, to advancing inclusive development policies that promote dignity, empowerment, and social protection. She noted that Jordan continues to modernize its social system by expanding protection programs, strengthening empowerment initiatives, and improving services for vulnerable groups in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The minister further pointed to the "Amman Declaration" as an example of collective Arab engagement on social development priorities. She also welcomed Arab support for Jordanian initiatives aimed at improving services for persons with disabilities and strengthening institutional inclusion frameworks.

Bani Mustafa also welcomed Arab backing for Jordan’s candidate for membership in the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, describing it as an important step toward enhancing Arab representation in international mechanisms and ensuring a stronger regional voice in global disability policy discussions.

//Petra// WH