MLSD Minister notes the role of the private sector in developing charitable and development work
29-12-2019
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with His Excellency the Member of Parliament, Mr Ammar Hussein Abbas, in the presence of a number of pioneers of social work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The meeting discussed avenues for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in social and voluntary work, including enhancing the private sector’s role in developing charitable work in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, the most prominent charitable projects and programmes implemented by pioneers of social work from the Al Abd Al Mohsen tribe in Saudi Arabia were reviewed through institutional development work. The discussion also covered cooperation with governmental and civil institutions related to development goals, in a manner that positively reflects on the advancement of Saudi communities, strengthens community development, and develops the non‑profit sector. The voluntary services provided by the Al Abd Al Mohsen tribe were presented within a strategic development plan that seeks leadership in charitable work across social, humanitarian, educational, and health fields. Humaidan commended the efforts of pioneers of development and voluntary work in Saudi Arabia in supporting social‑welfare programmes generally, and particularly the development initiatives they propose and implement that enhance the social‑protection system. He underscored the need for concerted efforts among the governmental, private, and civil sectors to ensure the best services for citizens, noting that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have succeeded in implementing integrated social‑protection systems and achieving sustainable‑development goals. Humaidan highlighted Bahrain’s experience in developing the role of civil society organisations, as well as the establishment of the Volunteer Development Centre, which aims to organise the volunteering process by providing volunteer opportunities and training courses. As the government entity responsible for volunteer work in the Kingdom, the Centre works to strengthen the positive role of volunteers, fostering a spirit of charity and voluntary work among Bahraini youth. For their part, MP Ammar Abbas and the Saudi pioneers of social work expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for its ongoing efforts to support NGOs, facilitate their missions and objectives, and implement charitable projects and programmes that promote community development and growth. They affirmed their interest in cooperation between the two sides with the aim of exchanging expertise and delivering the best outcomes that contribute to the development of voluntary work and the service of citizens, in partnership with official state institutions.