Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has an unwavering commitment to social development as a pillar of prosperity and sustainability, the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, has said.

Speaking at the recently held UN Commission for Social Development session in New York, Al-Wasil highlighted the Kingdom’s active role in adopting the commission’s action plans and enhancing international cooperation to achieve global social justice.

He said that the Kingdom’s national policies remain aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework that strengthens family ties, elevates healthcare and social welfare systems, and upholds the principles of inclusion and empowerment.

Highlighting youth-focused initiatives, he noted the adoption of a participatory, evidence-based approach in which young people help formulate national development policies to ensure they address real needs.

On family and elderly care, Al-Wasil reviewed the enactment of specialized legislation, the launch of a senior citizen privilege card, and the adoption of a national family strategy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

These efforts are supported by new standards for family counseling to protect vulnerable groups and ensure the dignity of the elderly, he added.

Furthermore, Al-Wasil highlighted the empowerment of low-income groups through social security training programs and initiatives that provide integrated social and economic interventions to enhance beneficiaries’ self-reliance.

Al-Wasil concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom’s support for global partnerships and the exchange of expertise to advance sustainable development and social justice worldwide.

The Saudi envoy also met Toily Kurbanov, executive coordinator of UN Volunteers, to discuss strengthening the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UN program.

On his X account, Al-Wasil wrote: “We exchanged views on advancing volunteerism as a catalyst for sustainable development, youth empowerment and inclusive multilateral action in support of UN priorities.”