GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi Emphasises Peace And Development Link At Doha Forum

At the Doha Forum's event titled "Peace and Development: A Common Path Towards Stability," held alongside the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi highlighted the intertwined nature of peace and development. He stated, "peace and development are two inseparable sides of the same coin." Albudaiwi emphasised that without development, peace remains fragile, while without peace, achieving development is impossible.

Albudaiwi commended Qatar for hosting the forum, which underscores its dedication to dialogue and multilateralism. He pointed out the significant role GCC countries play in global humanitarian efforts. The GCC nations are recognised as the fourth largest global donor for relief and humanitarian work. From 2020 to 2025, they provided nearly $14 billion in official humanitarian aid.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) 2024 data reveals that GCC countries contributed a total of $3.04 billion. Albudaiwi noted that these nations actively participate in mediation and preventive diplomacy to address crises worldwide. Their efforts include mediating in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine crisis and stabilising truces in regions such as Gaza.

Qatar has played a crucial role in maintaining stability in Gaza, while Oman has facilitated dialogue between the US and Iran. Saudi Arabia has been instrumental through its Jeddah platform to resolve issues in Sudan and work towards Syria's reintegration into Arab and international communities.

In his concluding remarks, Albudaiwi stressed that current global challenges—ranging from armed conflicts to climate change—necessitate a collaborative approach. He affirmed that "the absence of development makes peace fragile and transient, while the absence of peace makes development an impossible goal." This highlights the need for cooperation among nations.

The GCC countries aim to remain pivotal as a hub for trade and culture. They aspire to be a bridge for dialogue and a platform for practical solutions benefiting humanity. Their commitment to peace through dialogue and diplomacy remains unwavering.

With inputs from SPA