Minister of Social Affairs: Developing the cooperation sector is a priority for monitoring the performance of associations

Sultan Al-Abdan: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, confirmed that developing the cooperative sector is a priority in the ministry’s plans, given its pivotal role in organizing cooperative work, monitoring the performance of cooperatives, and ensuring their compliance with laws and regulations, thereby safeguarding shareholders’ rights and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens.

During an inspection tour of the cooperative sector at the ministry’s headquarters in the Ministries Complex, Al-Huwaila stated that field visits enable direct assessment of the nature of work within sectors, listening to feedback from employees and clients, and identifying actual needs, which facilitates informed decision-making and the development of procedures based on practical considerations that account for daily operational requirements.

Al-Huwaila stressed the necessity of full compliance with the systems and regulations governing cooperative work, applying them fairly and transparently to all cooperatives, and showing no leniency in addressing any administrative or financial violations that could harm shareholders’ interests or affect the efficiency of cooperative operations.

She emphasized that protecting shareholders’ funds is among the ministry’s top responsibilities, achieved through strict oversight of expenditure and investment, monitoring the integrity of financial and administrative procedures, and ensuring that cooperative resources are directed toward serving the public interest and benefiting shareholders and local communities.

She called for strengthening coordination among the departments of the cooperative sector, standardizing procedures and operational mechanisms, and improving communication with cooperative societies, to ensure prompt resolution of issues, timely responses to inquiries, and efficient processing of files without unjustified delays.

Al-Huwaila affirmed that the ministry continues to review and develop the cooperative work framework to keep pace with changes, reinforce principles of governance, integrity, and accountability, and enhance the economic and social role of cooperative societies in serving citizens and society.