GCC Secretary General Hails Role of GCC Countries in Promoting Integrity, Combating Corruption

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
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GCC Secretary General Hails Role of GCC Countries in Promoting Integrity, Combating Corruption

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo

Under the patronage of Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi, an event titled "The Roles and Initiatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries in Combating Corruption" was held on the sidelines of the 10th session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (CoSP10).

During his opening speech, Albudaiwi underscored the pioneering role of the GCC countries in promoting integrity and combating corruption at all levels, SPA reported.
He also pointed out the decisions of the Supreme Council aimed at enhancing integrity and combating corruption.

He referred to the final statement issued on January 5, 2021, by the Supreme Council at its 41st session, emphasizing the promotion of governance, transparency, accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption measures through joint Gulf cooperation in all GCC institutions, offices and specialized organizations.

Albudaiwi stressed that the GCC countries attach utmost importance to combating corruption due to its negative impact on the economic, social and political components.

He added that the GCC countries have made significant progress in protecting their institutions and societies from this scourge.



Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)

The Health Sector Transformation Program has contributed to an increase in the average lifespan in Saudi Arabia, which rose to 78.8 years in 2024, up from 74 years in 2016.

According to the program, this progress is directly attributed to the implementation of comprehensive health policies, such as reducing harmful ingredients in food products—including hydrogenated oils and excessive salt—as well as enhancing early screening for chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

These initiatives are part of a broader focus on prevention and improving treatment options.

In addition, health authorities in Saudi Arabia have worked to boost the efficiency and quality of services for citizens, residents, and visitors by training healthcare professionals and upgrading diagnostic and treatment services—significantly improving public health indicators and overall quality of life.

This progress aligns with the strategic goal of the health transformation initiative, which aims to raise life expectancy in the Kingdom to 80 years by 2030.