Dubai: Wafa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development and Head of the Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment, participated Thursday in a session titled “The Future of Social Development – Regional Cooperation and Integration,” as part of the second day of the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai. The forum, held under the theme “The Power of Influence,” brings together leaders and experts to discuss women’s roles in shaping the future.
According to Jordan News Agency, during the session organized by the Dubai Women Establishment, Bani Mustafa underscored that the success of social development is determined by its alignment with contemporary social concepts. She emphasized that attention must be given to citizens’ satisfaction and their ability to access services fairly and efficiently.
The Minister outlined the Ministry of Social Development’s efforts to implement the vision of modernization by improving citizens’ quality of life. These efforts contribute to addressing poverty and unemployment, in line w
ith royal directives to ensure a decent living, empower youth, and prepare them for future job opportunities.
Bani Mustafa further elaborated on the ministry’s ongoing reforms, particularly the transition to electronic services and digital transformation across all its offerings. She noted, however, that digital development must be complemented by new social concepts and innovation while maintaining ethical standards in the transformation process.
The Minister also highlighted progress in the care sector for individuals with disabilities, including the expansion of early intervention services and inclusive day services. Additionally, she noted a shift from institutional housing to inclusive community services, stating, “We have transitioned from a protective approach to one based on rights.”
Bani Mustafa also discussed the establishment of Jordan’s first professional social work system, which aims to improve the effectiveness of social workers and enhance the quality of services for vulnerable groups. She
emphasized that social work must prioritize the human aspect in addressing individual needs. She further asserted that Jordan stands as a leading model in social development, continually drawing on international best practices.
Concluding her remarks, Bani Mustafa affirmed that the Ministry of Social Development serves as a platform for Arab cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange, supporting joint policies, and strengthening initiatives that address regional challenges.
The Global Women’s Forum, which concludes today, served as a platform for leaders and experts from around the world to discuss ways to enhance the influential role of women and support their contributions across various sectors, including the economy, technology, innovation, and partnerships.