His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the ultimate objective of holding the Gulf Achievements Forum is to enhance awareness of the achievements that were never merely temporary accomplishments or economic indicators, but rather the result of an integrated Gulf system through which the founding leaders of the GCC, and Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, have sought over past and present decades, to transform challenges into opportunities through integration across all areas of joint Gulf action.
His Excellency affirmed that this has directly contributed to improving the quality of life of GCC citizens, enhancing their welfare and stability, and strengthening the standing of the GCC regionally and internationally.
This came during HE the Secretary General’s patronage and attendance of the Gulf Achievements Forum, which was organised by the General Secretariat of the GCC in cooperation with the Gulf Radio and Television Organisation (GRTO) on Monday (May 11, 2026) at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh. The forum was attended by a number of senior media officials from the GCC countries, specialists, and GCC students studying at universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In his speech, HE the Secretary General said: “The forum is being held as we prepare, in the coming days, to mark an occasion dear to our hearts, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council since the launch of its blessed journey on May 25, 1981. On behalf of the employees of the General Secretariat of the GCC, as well as all its bodies, organisations and affiliated centres, we extend the highest congratulations and blessings to Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, in appreciation and gratitude for their continuous support, patronage and attention to joint Gulf action across all fields.”
Additionally, HE the Secretary General also stated that the rapid regional and international developments have proven that the strength of the GCC countries lies in their unity and cohesion, and that joint Gulf action is no longer merely a development option, but has become a strategic necessity imposed by the nature of the current phase, the requirements of regional security, global economic transformations, and the accelerating challenges witnessed by the world today.
“The GCC achievements reviewed today are a reflection of an ambitious strategic vision, continuous coordination and a firm political will among the GCC countries. Thanks to the visions of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, and the integration of their institutions, the GCC countries have been able to build a balanced Gulf model that combines the preservation of identity and values with openness to the world and keeping pace with modern transformations in the economy, technology and human development, His Excellency said.
He further expressed pride in the prominent achievements accomplished in the fields of political integration, military and security cooperation, economic integration, infrastructure, digital transformation, education, health, media, electricity interconnection, food security and other vital sectors that have contributed to enhancing the competitiveness of the GCC countries and consolidating their position as an influential regional and international hub.
His Excellency noted that one of the most distinctive features of the Gulf experience is that the GCC citizen has always been, and remains, the focus and ultimate objective of development, stressing that these achievements have had a direct impact on their lives through freedom of movement, employment, ownership, investment, education and healthcare across the GCC countries, embodying the true meaning of Gulf unity in its human and developmental dimensions.
Addressing the audience, His Excellency further said: “The future of the GCC is not measured only by the scale of the achievements made, but by our ability to build upon them and transform them into sustainable gains that meet the aspirations of our peoples and future generations. The next phase requires intensified joint Gulf efforts, strengthened integration across all fields, and the building of a Gulf economy capable of competing globally, thereby consolidating the position of the GCC countries as an influential global partner in shaping the economy of the future and sustainable development.”
In the same context, HE the Secretary General added that the Gulf Achievements Forum reaffirms the importance of documenting Gulf achievements, highlighting their developmental and civilisational impact, and enhancing community awareness of them, in a manner that contributes to consolidating the shared Gulf identity and deepening the sense of pride and belonging in this blessed journey.
He underlined that all at the General Secretariat of the GCC, in cooperation and coordination with the GCC countries, and based on the wise directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, are continuing to work to support the journey of Gulf integration, strengthen joint initiatives and projects, and develop strategic partnerships in a manner that fulfils the aspirations of the GCC peoples and enhances the standing of the Cooperation Council as an effective regional system capable of shaping the future with confidence and competence.
Moreover, His Excellency also affirmed that the GCC countries are no longer merely a regional bloc united by geography and history, but have become a global strategic force where opportunities are created and models of development, prosperity, security and stability are built.
Concluding his speech, HE the Secretary General extended his thanks and appreciation to GCC university students present to attend this forum, stating that they are the true wealth of the GCC countries and the foundation of their present and future.
He addressed the attending students saying: “With your efforts, minds and ambitions, the journey of building, development and prosperity in our Gulf countries continues. Great hopes are placed on you to continue carrying the message of the GCC, consolidating the values of unity, integration and interconnection among the peoples of the GCC countries, and contributing with your ideas and creativity to shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for our homelands and peoples, under the generous support and patronage of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries.”
HE the Secretary General also renewed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Al Hazza, President of the Gulf Radio and Television Organisation, and his team, as well as the employees of the General Secretariat, for their efforts in organising and ensuring the success of this forum, and to all participants and attendees. He prayed to Allah the Almighty to continue blessing the GCC countries with security, stability and prosperity, to protect its leaders and peoples, and to grant the blessed Gulf journey continued progress and prosperity.