Key workshop to shape GCC unified living standards framework
Published: 03:04 PM,Apr 21,2025 | EDITED : 07:04 PM,Apr 21,2025
Oman spearheads a key regional workshop in Muscat, uniting GCC leaders and global experts to develop a unified framework for measuring living standards and advancing social protection across the Gulf.
MUSCAT, APRIL 21
Oman has taken center-stage in a key regional initiative to redefine social security and enhance quality of life across the Gulf, as a high-level workshop opened today in Muscat to discuss minimum standards for decent living and modern approaches to social protection.
Hosted under the auspices of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development, the four-day workshop gathers more than 60 policymakers, statisticians, and international experts to discuss how GCC countries can align and enhance their social security systems.
Intisar bint Abdullah al Wahaibi, Director General of the Statistical Centre for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said: “As you know, the GCC countries have achieved advanced levels in human development and sustainable development indicators. Our goal through this workshop is to express and reflect the prosperity, quality of life, and well-being in our Gulf countries—by developing a unified scientific Gulf framework that can measure this and support policy-making in a way that strengthens our countries’ regional and international standing,” she stated
The event, organised by the GCC Statistical Centre—headquartered in Muscat—and the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the GCC, reflects Oman’s growing leadership role in regional development policy and data-driven reform.
Oman’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation has positioned it as a key driver in shaping a unified vision for welfare and sustainable development in the Gulf.
Mohammed bin Hassan al-Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Office, noted that the outcomes of the Muscat workshop will inform a unified report on minimum living standards, to be presented at the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development. “The report will reflect the true scope of the Gulf states’ efforts in this field and reinforce their global development commitments,” he added.
Dr Marco Ranzani, Economist in the Poverty Global Practice at the World Bank, remarked on the matter saying: “We believe this workshop is a significant step for GCC countries, as it marks the first attempt to establish a common framework for measuring living standards across the region.”
Dr Ranzani continued: “We’ve been invited to share international methodologies, and we will present the World Bank’s approach along with suggestions and ideas to support the GCC’s efforts moving forward.”
Oman has taken center-stage in a key regional initiative to redefine social security and enhance quality of life across the Gulf, as a high-level workshop opened today in Muscat to discuss minimum standards for decent living and modern approaches to social protection.
Hosted under the auspices of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development, the four-day workshop gathers more than 60 policymakers, statisticians, and international experts to discuss how GCC countries can align and enhance their social security systems.
Intisar bint Abdullah al Wahaibi, Director General of the Statistical Centre for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said: “As you know, the GCC countries have achieved advanced levels in human development and sustainable development indicators. Our goal through this workshop is to express and reflect the prosperity, quality of life, and well-being in our Gulf countries—by developing a unified scientific Gulf framework that can measure this and support policy-making in a way that strengthens our countries’ regional and international standing,” she stated
The event, organised by the GCC Statistical Centre—headquartered in Muscat—and the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the GCC, reflects Oman’s growing leadership role in regional development policy and data-driven reform.
Oman’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation has positioned it as a key driver in shaping a unified vision for welfare and sustainable development in the Gulf.
Mohammed bin Hassan al-Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Office, noted that the outcomes of the Muscat workshop will inform a unified report on minimum living standards, to be presented at the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development. “The report will reflect the true scope of the Gulf states’ efforts in this field and reinforce their global development commitments,” he added.
Dr Marco Ranzani, Economist in the Poverty Global Practice at the World Bank, remarked on the matter saying: “We believe this workshop is a significant step for GCC countries, as it marks the first attempt to establish a common framework for measuring living standards across the region.”
Dr Ranzani continued: “We’ve been invited to share international methodologies, and we will present the World Bank’s approach along with suggestions and ideas to support the GCC’s efforts moving forward.”