RIYADH, 21 August 2007 — A two-member delegation of the Shoura Council led by Osama Al-Kurdi left for Seoul yesterday to participate in the third general assembly of the Inter-Parliamentarians for Social Services (IPSS), which will begin in the South Korean capital tomorrow. The forum will continue for three days.
Speaking to Arab News prior to his departure, Al-Kurdi said the meeting will evaluate the experience of member countries in establishing a legal and institutional framework to promote social services and issues relating to international labor migration, protection of human rights, streamlining of regulation for international cooperation, and creation of job opportunities for the physically disabled.
“Saudi Arabia has been one of the founder members of the IPSS. Established in 2003, the group’s objective is to exchange views among delegates of member countries regarding their practices with social services, which include care for the elderly, the handicapped and orphans; labor practices and medical services,” Al-Kurdi said, adding that he is being accompanied by Abdul Aziz Al-Otaibi, another member of the Shoura Council, and some support staff.
Saudi Arabia was coopted as a member of the IPSS in recognition of its social welfare program, especially for the rehabilitation of the handicapped and the elderly.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is paying special attention to improving housing facilities for the poor and providing various facilities to the handicapped.
Al-Kurdi said a major objective is to review the legal framework for social services in other countries and explore the possibility of it being adopted in a third country after suitable changes, if necessary. He said he would report back to the Shoura Council on the lessons learned after his return from Seoul.
There will also be a session with the minister of social affairs on how the Kingdom could benefit from the social services programs of other countries.
The IPSS has asked 70 member countries to send two delegates each to its general assembly session.
On the concluding day, the members will be taken on a tour around the IFEZ (Incheon Free Economic Zone). Optional tour programs for the delegates include: a) visit to the Migrant Workers Center in Korea; b) a firsthand look at social services activities in South Korea or c) visit to a Korean company for two days and one night.
