The Shoura Council’s Social, Family and Youth Affairs Committee has adopted a recommendation to restructure the Presidency of Youth Welfare and turn it into a ministry. The recommendation was based on the presidency’s annual reports in 2010 and 2011 and will be voted on at the council’s session on Monday.
“Turning the presidency into a ministry will elevate its level of representation at the Council of Ministers and in other state sectors. Thus, it will receive more attention,” said Ahmad Aal Mufreh, chairman of the Education and Scientific Research Committee.
Aal Mufreh, who was one of the proposing members, called for studying the proposal. He said it is important to develop the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and support it with funds and human resources to accomplish achievements in compliance with the country’s reputation and position. It is also important to support and develop programs and services related to youths to help them achieve what they aspire, develop their talents and harness their abilities in achieving public interest.
Saud Al-Subae, chairman of the Security Affairs Committee, said in his proposal to the social committee that youths constitute a large part of society. Therefore they should get special attention, to help them achieve their aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Shoura Council extended a warm welcome yesterday to the GCC leaders who arrived in Riyadh to attend the 14th Consultative GCC Summit today.
In a statement the council said today's meeting, which will be held under the chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, will be more significant in light of recent developments in the region.
“The meeting itself reflects the keenness of the GCC leaders to resolve issues related to the region and the GCC leaders are also expected to study the recommendations put forward by a special committee to transform the Gulf Cooperation Council into a GCC Union,” Council Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh said.
During yesterday's session, the council approved a draft convention between the Kingdom and Iraq. The agreement comprising 16 articles was focused on strengthening relations between the two countries.
The council also approved a draft agreement on conducting investigations into cases of terrorism funding and money laundering with countries such as France, the United States, Belarus, Indonesia, Armenia and San Marino.
Shoura panel suggests a youth ministry
