RIYADH: Speaking at a commemorative ceremony in Riyadh, Al-Budaiwi spotlighted the GCC’s strategic achievements across economics, diplomacy, and development.

Marking the 44th anniversary of the GCC’s founding, Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi emphasized that despite global uncertainties and regional shifts, the Council has remained a “pioneering model” of collective strength and sustainable collaboration.

Celebrating the vision of the founding leaders, Al-Budaiwi noted that today’s GCC leaders continue to advance this legacy with determination—deepening regional bonds and enhancing joint action for the benefit of Gulf societies.

The Secretary-General outlined major diplomatic strides, including recent Gulf summits with Europe, the United States, and upcoming talks with ASEAN and China. He said that these summits show the GCC’s ability to build balanced partnerships globally and reflect the world’s growing trust in the region’s leadership, highlighting the Council’s role as a bridge between East and West.

On the economic front, the GCC now stands as the 11th largest global economy, with a combined GDP of USD 2.1 trillion and a per capita income over three times the global average. Al-Budaiwi predicted economic growth would accelerate in 2025, with non-oil sectors driving diversification and innovation.

He also underlined the Council’s progress in clean energy, noting that the GCC now contributes to 30% of renewable electricity production in the Middle East and 54.5% of regional wind energy output—positioning the bloc as a leader in sustainable development.

Trade between GCC countries has surged, with intra-GCC exports reaching USD 131.6 billion—up by 67%. Meanwhile, cross-border investment flows are booming, as seen in the USD 520.4 billion capital held in public joint-stock companies accessible to GCC citizens.

In education and digital transformation, nearly 12,800 students are studying in fellow GCC states, reinforcing a shared educational ecosystem. The GCC has also surpassed global benchmarks in digital readiness, with AI projected to contribute 34% of the region’s GDP by 2030.

Technological tools like the GCC statistical app and a unified news agency platform are helping track and share the region’s progress in real-time, offering transparent insights into economic, social, and environmental indicators.

The Secretary-General further praised efforts to empower women and youth, noting two recent initiatives—Inspiring Gulf Women and Gulf Youth Day—which celebrated the contributions of these vital groups to the region’s future.