Latest News
GCC launches senior life quality index
KUWAIT: The Executive Office of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs announced Thursday the launch of a life quality index for seniors in the GCC, a tool designed to monitor services and policies for older adults across the region. The announcement came during a Gulf-focused panel discussion organized by Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs, titled “Quality of Life for Older Adults in the Gulf States”, held at the National Library of Kuwait in collaboration with the GCC Executive Office and the GCC Statistical Center. The initiative is in line with decisions made by GCC Ministers of Social and Development Affairs.
The index aims to provide “an accurate knowledge base to help develop social policies and measure the effectiveness of programs and initiatives in meeting the needs of seniors,” aligning with Gulf strategies to enhance quality of life for all segments of society.
The first session of the panel explored global experiences in senior life quality, featuring speakers including Dr Fatemah Bendhafari from Kuwait’s Ministry of Health, Dr Sara Salman from UNESCWA, Dr Maha Al-Sejari from Kuwait University and Dr Rasha Al-Faiz from the GCC Health Council.
The speakers stressed the importance of adopting best international practices in integrated healthcare, implementing innovative policies that support senior independence, and encouraging their active social participation. They also highlighted that addressing population changes in the region requires coordination between health and social systems, with a focus on mental health as part of overall senior well-being.
The second session focused on “Senior Life Quality in the GCC – Reality and Challenges”, with contributions from Ali Al-Falaiti of the Gulf Statistical Center, Dina Al-Kaabi of the Doha International Family Institute, Dr Jassim Al-Kandari of Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs, and social work specialist Dr Hadi Mokhtar.
The session emphasized the need for unified statistics to establish a precise Gulf methodology for measuring the index, explored ways to empower seniors through family policies, and reviewed key GCC policies addressing social and demographic challenges.
Speakers noted that GCC countries have made significant strides in improving senior life quality, drawing on Islamic values and international commitments. They highlighted national legislation that ensures senior rights and dignity, as well as specialized agencies dedicated to their welfare.
The panel concluded with several recommendations, including forming a working group among member states to align and update national legislation on senior rights with international standards and Sustainable Development Goals. They also called for annual monitoring of the GCC senior life quality index in partnership with the GCC Statistical Center, launching joint initiatives to increase senior participation in social, cultural and volunteer activities, and coordinating with the GCC Health Council on programs supporting post-retirement volunteering and social integration. The panel’s recommendations will be submitted to the GCC Social Affairs Experts Committee before being presented to the relevant ministers. — KUNA
CAIRO: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah on Monday reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening joint Arab social and developmental efforts to uphold human rights and promote social justice. Delivering her speech at the 82nd session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Egypt, Dr Al-Huwailah opened by expressing deep sorrow over the tragic death of three Amiri Diwan employees in a traffic accident in Sharm El-Sheikh, offering condolences to the families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
She expressed pride in Kuwait’s participation in the session, which addressed key social and developmental issues, and expressed hope it would yield decisions supporting social justice policies and the empowerment of women, girls, and persons with disabilities, particularly in political participation and gender equality. Dr Al-Huwailah noted that the session would adopt the draft agenda for the 45th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs and prepare for the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled in Doha next November. She emphasized Kuwait’s aspiration for Arab countries to make a strong and active presence at these events, showcasing development achievements and exchanging experiences in social care.
Officials are pictured during the meeting. – KUNA photos
Highlighting Kuwait’s role, she said the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities are committed to following up on the implementation of Council decisions, ensuring coordination that respects diversity and privacy while promoting social justice.
Dr Al-Huwailah concluded by thanking Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity and Head of the Executive Office Dr Maya Morsi for the warm reception and efficient organization. She also praised Egypt’s efforts in hosting the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit and its unwavering support for ending the conflict in Palestine. The Executive Office meetings are chaired by Egypt, with membership including Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, the Comoros, Lebanon and Libya, alongside the participation of the Social Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States, represented by Minister Plenipotentiary Enas Al-Farjani.- KUNA
Crown Prince receives KPC officials to mark a record offshore gas discovery
Six Asians Arrested in Abdali for Running a Liquor Factory in the Desert
Kuwait’s Prime Minister to represent Amir at Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt
-
Latest News22 hours agoGraduation ceremony marks the completion of ‘Tamooh’ program
-
Politics15 hours ago61 fire safety violations found in Kuwait’s Mubarakiya Market inspection
-
Latest News14 hours agoToday in Kuwait’s history | Kuwait Times Newspaper
-
Latest News16 hours agoNod to conditional foreign ownership of property in Kuwait
-
Politics6 hours agoNo Punishment Without Evidence, Acquits Man In Sorcery Case
-
Politics5 hours agoHearing put off in wife murder case
-
Latest News6 hours agoKuwait underscores the need for stronger Arab cooperation in statistics
-
Business7 hours agoCompanies and funds can own real estate in Kuwait under strict controls