Ashraf AboArafe
His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, delivered a speech at the (14) AIM Investment Summit.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests,
I am pleased to be with you today to participate in the opening of the fourteenth AIM Investment Summit… Allow me to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for its generous hosting and organization of this important event, which brings together an elite group of decision-makers, business leaders, investors, and experts… to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation and develop the investment environment to support national economies in confronting the challenges and obstacles that hinder the achievement of sustainable development. We are undoubtedly living through an exceptional moment in contemporary global history… a moment characterized by fluidity and uncertainty regarding the course of the international system, the nature of its governing rules, and the nature of the relationship between its main poles… It is a difficult moment, similar to one our world has witnessed in the past century, and we hope that everyone has learned from bitter historical experiences what will spare humanity the recurrence of tragedies and suffering… and propel it along the path of growth, the fruits of which all peoples reap. Our region, in turn—not far from the trajectory of global interactions—is experiencing a difficult moment… replete with rapid changes and recurring challenges… It is a moment that requires wisdom in defining, promoting, and defending national interests… and closer joint action at the Arab level. The ongoing massacre perpetrated by the Israeli occupation in Gaza is a painful and shameful testament to a profound imbalance in the values held by influential global powers. It is as if there is a standard by which Israel alone is held accountable, while the rest of the world is held accountable. The occupation is allowed to kill tens of thousands of civilians, besiege, destroy, and use starvation weapons, all with impunity and no deterrence. It is allowed to renege on the agreements it signed, and without being held accountable for the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. For us Arabs, the Palestinian cause will remain a cause of a people and a land. The land is being seized and confiscated, and the people are being expelled and displaced, as has happened before. As for the land, it will one day be returned within the framework of a two-state solution. As for the Palestinian people, they will remain on their land until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Our responsibility and duty is to support their steadfastness, strengthen their survival, and preserve the foundations of their just cause. Ladies and Gentlemen,
The key to the Arab region’s success in catching up with advanced countries and global economic developments lies primarily in its ability to optimally utilize its youthful potential and its strategic location, which attracts investment. The population of the Arab world is among the youngest in the world. If we fail to adequately train and invest in this youth, it will transform from a starting point for achieving sustainable development into a burden on economies, a deterrent to investment, and even a driver of unrest, as we are witnessing in some countries. It will likely also become a fertile ground for various forms of religious and political extremism. Therefore, it is impossible to discuss the future of investment in the Arab region without linking it to stability and sustainable development. Investment is no longer a purely economic activity; it has become an essential element in achieving security and economic integration, especially in regions facing humanitarian challenges and protracted crises. I am not exaggerating when I say that enhancing investment in the Arab region is a personal obligation and a necessity for survival. There is no other way but through investment to create the millions of jobs needed by the region’s youth, without which the economy will not take off and stability will not be achieved. The Arab League is committed to continuing efforts to support Arab economic integration, enhance the role of the private sector in development, and promote sustainable investment that benefits Arab societies. The truth is that many Arab countries have made significant strides in improving the business environment by adopting legal and regulatory reforms that facilitate investment flows and enhance transparency. This stems from the belief that investment is the optimal way to develop infrastructure and advance vital sectors such as energy, technology, and health. This summit undoubtedly represents a real opportunity to explore new mechanisms to enhance cooperation and stimulate joint investment projects that keep pace with global trends in the fields of the green economy, advanced technology, manufacturing industries, and other priority sectors. Ladies and Gentlemen, The challenges facing Arab economies today require the formulation of a new approach based on cooperation and integration, not competition and isolation. The world is currently witnessing the emergence of new economic systems, emerging investment hubs, and waves of digital transformation and innovation. This requires us to be part of these transformations, not merely recipients or spectators. In this regard, I cannot fail to point out that the League of Arab States is in the process of finalizing a draft of the new Arab Investment Agreement, aimed at increasing and encouraging investment so that it can more effectively keep pace with new international norms and changes.
In this spirit, I look forward to this year’s summit producing practical recommendations that will contribute to strengthening Arab and international investment and achieving the sustainable development our peoples aspire to.
In conclusion, I renew my thanks to the United Arab Emirates for hosting this major economic event. I also thank all those involved in organizing this summit, wishing you success in your work and achieving results that will stimulate our shared economic progress.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
to all.. 
