Details of the General Assembly meeting of the Shura Council
In a move reflecting its active oversight and legislative role, the General Assembly of the Shura Council in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held its seventeenth meeting of the second year of its ninth session. This important meeting was chaired by His Excellency the Vice President of the Council, Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, and attended by His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Council, Mr. Mohammed bin Dakhel Al-Mutairi, as well as the heads of the Council's specialized committees. The meeting aimed to study and discuss the topics on the agenda in preparation for their presentation to the Council in upcoming sessions.
Key reports and topics referred to upcoming sessions
The meeting resulted in the General Assembly's approval to add 32 strategic topics to the Council's agenda for upcoming sessions. These topics include a range of annual reports from several prominent government entities that play a pivotal role in national development, most notably:
- The annual report of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission: which aims to review the quality of educational outputs and their compatibility with the evolving requirements of the labor market.
- The Capital Market Authority's annual report: To evaluate financial performance, enhance transparency, and attract foreign and domestic investments.
- The annual report of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance: to follow up on the Ministry’s efforts in taking care of the houses of God and spreading the values of moderation and balance.
- The National Center for Privatization's annual report: a vital report that reflects the progress made in involving the private sector in the national economy.
- The annual report of the Broadcasting and Television Authority: to evaluate media performance and develop local content in line with the Kingdom’s status.
- The Insurance Authority's annual report: To monitor developments in this growing financial sector and ensure the protection of beneficiaries' rights.
In addition to these reports, a number of draft new and amended regulations were referred in preparation for their discussion and approval in a manner that serves the public interest.
Historical context and pivotal role of the Shura Council
The Shura Council, in its modern form, was established in 1992 (1412 AH) during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him), drawing its roots from the established Islamic principles and the history of the Saudi state since the era of its founder, King Abdulaziz. Today, the Council is considered one of the most important pillars of decision-making in the Kingdom, exercising regulatory (legislative) and oversight functions that contribute to evaluating the performance of government agencies and modernizing regulations to keep pace with rapid developmental changes.
Expected impact: locally, regionally, and internationally
Domestically thatimplementation processes proceed according to the established plans to bolster the non-oil economy, enhance government performance, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
At the regional and international levels, the General Assembly, during its meeting, approved the referral of several draft bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields with a number of sisterly and friendly countries. This action reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's keenness to strengthen its strategic partnerships and expand the horizons of international cooperation in a way that serves common interests and enhances the Kingdom's diplomatic and economic standing as an influential force on the global stage.
