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Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi delivered the remarks at the Gulf States Forum in Salt Lake City, where he reviewed the trajectory of the Gulf Cooperation Council since its establishment in 1981. The Qatar News Agency reported that the secretary-general described the bloc as an influential regional organisation after 45 years, with integration and solidarity among its members forming the foundation of its operations and positions. Albudaiwi pointed to the economic progress and diplomatic footprint of the GCC states as reflections of an approach built on responsibility and partnership that seeks to spread the benefits of stability and prosperity to regional and global populations.
The GCC chief underlined the council’s fixed position on the Palestinian cause, which centres on delivering relief to civilians, rejecting forced displacement and backing a just settlement anchored in the two-state solution, the Qatar News Agency said. He highlighted Gulf mediation initiatives aimed at narrowing differences and opening channels for dialogue to reach equitable outcomes that respect legitimate security concerns. The secretary-general specifically commended the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman for sustaining lines of communication during tensions between Iran and the United States.
GCC-STAT figures show the council countries accounted for 21.8 percent of global crude oil production in 2024 while holding 32.7 percent of proven world oil reserves. Albudaiwi told the forum that the member states had proven their ability to fulfil commitments under the most difficult conditions, including recent regional escalation and navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the GCC countries responded with restraint and responsibility, maintaining supply flows through alternative routes, according to the Qatar News Agency.
The secretary-general renewed condemnation of ongoing Iranian attacks on neighbouring states that he said promote escalation and disorder across the region, the news agency reported. His address noted that the GCC has pursued diplomatic efforts to bridge viewpoints and foster dialogue in pursuit of solutions that spare the region’s peoples further suffering. These positions form part of the council’s broader role in supporting peace and stability, he added.
Albudaiwi stated that the GCC economy now exceeds 2.4 trillion US dollars with projections reaching approximately 6 trillion by 2050, while its sovereign wealth funds manage assets approaching 5 trillion dollars. The Qatar News Agency quoted him as saying the member states are experiencing rapid transformation guided by national visions that diversify revenue streams and expand sectors including finance, logistics, industry, tourism and advanced technology. He described the GCC-US partnership as holding wide prospects for cooperation in building a knowledge-based economy, particularly in artificial intelligence research, medical sciences and clean energy.
As a University of Utah alumnus from the class of 1991, Albudaiwi received the inaugural Global U Alumni Impact Award at the forum in recognition of his diplomatic leadership. University event details indicate the gathering brought together scholars and experts to discuss regional cooperation, innovation and higher education ties. The secretary-general emphasised that American universities, including the University of Utah, serve as essential partners in developing talent and broadening scientific collaboration.
