Saudi Gazette | 20 January 2009

KUWAIT – Arab leaders called for launching an emergency Arab food and water security program, as per the draft resolution of the Arab Economic Summit, Kuna reported.

The resolution tasks Arab governments to grant preferential treatment to investment and urges Arab, regional, and international investment institutions and funds to finance the program.

It also invites the private sector to invest in the program, and tasks the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) with following up the program. The resolution tasks the Council of Arab Water Ministers with preparing a strategy for water security in the Arab region to face challenges and requirements for sustainable development. It also approves a project for integrated management of water resources, and calls on Arab finance funds and institutions to contribute to supporting the project. The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) has been tasked to follow up implementation of the project. The two-day summit will set up a clear road map for Arab economy and all related social and developmental issues.

The Arab leaders are expected to approve a mechanism to make sure that the resolutions are properly implemented.

The summit, described as “very serious” and prepared by specialists from a variety of economic sectors, addresses daily concerns of Arab citizens like poverty, hunger, health, education, railway network and electricity linkage, unemployment, establishing a custom union, food and water security. – SPA

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