New York, June 11 (Petra)-- Minister of Social Development and Chair of the 45th Session of the Arab Council of Social Affairs Ministers, Wafa Bani Mustafa, met on Thursday in New York with Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), to discuss enhancing regional cooperation on key social priorities across the Arab world.

The meeting focused on supporting joint Arab efforts to address social challenges, strengthen social protection systems, and advance sustainable development pathways.

Bani Mustafa emphasized the importance of continued support for the Arab Center for Social Policy Studies and the Eradication of Multidimensional Poverty, describing it as a specialized Arab platform for developing evidence-based social policies and promoting the exchange of expertise and knowledge among Arab countries.

She noted that the center plays a vital role in efforts to reduce multidimensional poverty and foster inclusive social development.

The discussions also highlighted the need to prepare Arab countries’ priorities for the post-2030 development agenda, building on progress achieved under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both sides stressed the importance of integrating social issues into future development frameworks and strengthening Arab cooperation in social protection, poverty reduction, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups.

The meeting further addressed support for implementing the Arab Strategy for Older Persons and enhancing cooperation in developing policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of life of older adults, expanding social and care services, and promoting their rights and inclusion in society.

Participants also underscored the importance of advancing the implementation of the Amman Declaration on the Implementation of the Outcome of the Second World Summit for Social Development, describing it as a key framework for strengthening joint Arab social action and translating commitments into practical and actionable programs.

During the meeting, Bani Mustafa highlighted Jordan’s experience in empowering and integrating persons with disabilities, noting that the Kingdom is among the region’s leading countries in adopting a rights-based approach grounded in equality and equal opportunities. She pointed to Jordan’s advanced legislative and institutional framework, which supports inclusive access and improved service delivery.

She also cited Jordan’s flagship initiative, "Disability-Friendly Institutions," implemented across both the public and private sectors to create inclusive environments that encourage active participation, further reinforcing Jordan’s position as a regional model for social inclusion and comprehensive social protection policies.

For her part, Sandkjær emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with Arab countries in the field of social policy and commended regional efforts to enhance social protection systems and promote knowledge sharing.

She reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for initiatives aimed at strengthening joint Arab action, building national capacities to combat multidimensional poverty, empowering vulnerable populations, and developing sustainable social policies capable of addressing current and future social and development challenges.

//Petra// MF