Saudi Arabia Joins Care Economy Conference in Morocco

Saudi Arabia participated in the International Conference on the Care Economy and Social Protection, held from June 25 to 26, 2024, at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco. The conference, themed “A Pillar for Women’s Empowerment, Job Creation Opportunities, and Well-Being and Family Resilience,” was organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Solidarity and Social Inclusion and Family in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Arab League. The Kingdom’s delegation was led by Dr. Maimoonah Al Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, accompanied by experts from relevant Saudi authorities.

Context and Background

The care economy encompasses paid and unpaid work in sectors such as healthcare, education, childcare, and elderly care. Recognizing its growing importance, the Arab League and its member states have intensified efforts to develop integrated social protection systems. The Rabat conference served as a platform for exchanging Arab and international experiences, aiming to identify economic activities within the care sector and their potential to generate employment, particularly for women. Saudi Arabia’s active participation underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and knowledge sharing, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance social welfare and economic diversification.

Key Details

During the ministerial round table, Dr. Maimoonah Al Khalil delivered Saudi Arabia’s address, highlighting how the care economy contributes to individual well-being, family cohesion, and community integration. She emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to gender equality in job opportunities within the care economy, noting the creation of new roles to enhance social cohesion and the provision of essential services such as healthcare, education, and elderly care. Dr. Al Khalil also underscored that these efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, demonstrating the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the care economy across various sectors. The conference also featured discussions on best practices and policies to support caregivers and care recipients, with participants sharing insights on financing mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s engagement in the Rabat conference signals its proactive role in shaping regional policies on social protection and women’s empowerment. By sharing its experiences and learning from other nations, the Kingdom contributes to a collective Arab effort to build resilient families and communities. This participation also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, the conference outcomes are expected to inform national strategies, potentially leading to new programs and initiatives that boost employment and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, empower women, and enhance social services. The care economy is a key component of this vision, as it creates jobs and supports families, thereby contributing to a vibrant society and a thriving economy. The Kingdom’s participation in the international conference demonstrates its commitment to achieving these goals through international collaboration and the exchange of best practices. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in human capital and social infrastructure, its leadership in the care economy will play a vital role in realizing the ambitious targets of Vision 2030 and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the theme of the International Conference on the Care Economy and Social Protection?

A1. The theme was “A Pillar for Women’s Empowerment, Job Creation Opportunities, and Well-Being and Family Resilience,” focusing on the care economy’s role in society.

Q2. Where and when did the conference take place?

A2. It was held from June 25 to 26, 2024, at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco, bringing together Arab and international experts.

Q3. Who organized the conference?

A3. The conference was organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Solidarity and Social Inclusion and Family, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Arab League.

Q4. Who led Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the conference?

A4. Dr. Maimoonah Al Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, led the delegation, accompanied by experts from relevant Saudi authorities.

Q5. What did Dr. Al Khalil emphasize in her address?

A5. She highlighted the care economy’s contribution to individual well-being, family cohesion, and community integration, and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to gender equality in care-related jobs.

Q6. How does the care economy support women’s empowerment?

A6. The care economy creates employment opportunities, particularly for women, enabling them to participate in the workforce and contribute to economic growth while balancing family responsibilities.

Q7. What essential services are part of the care economy?

A7. Essential services include healthcare, education, childcare, and elderly care, which are vital for social well-being and community development.

Q8. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation align with Vision 2030?

A8. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and empower women. Advancing the care economy supports these goals by creating jobs and enhancing social services.

Q9. What is the Family Affairs Council?

A9. The Family Affairs Council is a Saudi government body responsible for family-related policies and initiatives, promoting family stability and social cohesion in line with national priorities.

Q10. What are the expected outcomes of the conference?

A10. The conference aimed to foster an integrated care economy system through knowledge exchange, potentially leading to new policies and programs across Arab states.

Q11. Why is the care economy important for job creation?

A11. The care economy is labor-intensive and creates diverse job opportunities in healthcare, education, and social services, contributing to economic growth and social development.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia support gender equality in the workplace?

A12. Saudi Arabia has implemented reforms to increase women’s participation in the workforce, including in the care economy, as part of Vision 2030’s social and economic objectives.

Q13. What role does the Arab League play in social protection?

A13. The Arab League facilitates regional cooperation and policy development on social protection, promoting shared strategies to enhance care economies and social welfare across member states.

Q14. What are some challenges in developing the care economy?

A14. Challenges include financing, regulatory frameworks, and recognizing unpaid care work. International cooperation helps address these through shared best practices and innovative solutions.

Q15. How can the care economy enhance family resilience?

A15. By providing accessible care services, the care economy supports families in balancing work and care responsibilities, leading to stronger, more resilient family units.

Q16. What is Saudi Arabia’s stance on social protection?

A16. Saudi Arabia is committed to comprehensive social protection, investing in healthcare, education, and social services to ensure the well-being of all citizens and residents.

Q17. How does the conference reflect Saudi Arabia’s global engagement?

A17. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s active role in international forums, sharing its Vision 2030 progress and learning from global partners to advance social and economic development.

Q18. What follow-up actions might Saudi Arabia take after the conference?

A18. Saudi Arabia may integrate insights into national strategies, potentially launching new initiatives to boost care-sector employment and enhance social services aligned with Vision 2030.

Q19. Why is the care economy a pillar for women’s empowerment?

A19. It offers flexible job opportunities and addresses the unequal burden of unpaid care work, enabling more women to enter and remain in the workforce.

Q20. How does the care economy contribute to community integration?

A20. By providing essential services and fostering social cohesion, the care economy helps integrate all community members, including the elderly and children, into a supportive social fabric.

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