His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the GCC represents a firm strategic pillar in addressing rapid geopolitical shifts, and that integration and cooperation among its states is not an option, but rather an inevitable necessity imposed by the nature of the current phase.
These remarks came during a lecture delivered by HE the Secretary General at Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) in Doha, State of Qatar.
At the beginning of the lecture, His Excellency praised the active role of Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies in the State of Qatar, and its pioneering work in promoting integration and cooperation in the military field among the GCC states. He also commended its role in consolidating strategic intellectual awareness and anticipating challenges and opportunities in light of the rapid developments witnessed by the region.
HE the Secretary General also expressed his appreciation for the heroic and professional role played by the Qatari Armed Forces during the past events in confronting the treacherous Iranian missiles and drones, reflecting the high level of efficiency, readiness and vigilance of the Qatari Armed Forces in protecting the security of the state, safeguarding its resources, and preserving the safety of its territories and citizens, under the wise leadership of His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar.
During the lecture, His Excellency addressed four themes. The first was the strategic importance of the GCC in light of current geopolitical shifts, which is characterised by a number of highly important aspects for both the GCC and the world at large, and which are closely linked to the stability of global economies. He summarised these aspects as global energy security, the GCC’s vital geographical location, combating terrorism and extremism, and economic markets and investments.
The second theme focused on GCC foreign policy and building strategic partnerships. “The GCC states have achieved significant accomplishments through these strategic partnerships and dialogues, which have affirmed the GCC’s presence on the international scene and developed its relations with countries and other groups,” His Excellency stressed.
The third theme addressed the role of the GCC General Secretariat and its achievements in a number of fields, where HE the Secretary General underlined that the responsibilities of the General Secretariat include preparing studies related to cooperation and coordination, as well as integrated plans and programmes for joint action; generating periodic reports on the work of the Council and following up on the implementation of decisions, in addition to producing reports and studies requested by the Supreme Council or the Ministerial Council, preparing for meetings, drafting the agenda of the Ministerial Council and draft resolutions, and carrying out other duties stipulated in the Charter.
Meanwhile, the fourth theme focused on the future vision of the GCC and the most important challenges in the regional and international strategic environment. In this context, His Excellency underlined that the GCC believes dialogue and diplomacy remain the best and most effective means to address and resolve crises, stressing that no effort has been spared in extending the hand of dialogue and communication.
HE the Secretary General also stated that the GCC is working to bring viewpoints closer with partners, friendly countries and allies in order to find lasting solutions for security and stability. He added that the Cooperation Council also seeks to be a partner in diversifying its economies with its partners through the visions launched by the GCC states, while also focusing on investment in sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, education, trade and investment.