Arab League Secretary-General: Necessity of shifting Arab action from reaction to proactive measures and formulating a forward-looking vision for the region's future

Kuwait City, October 13 (KUNA) – Arab League Secretary-General Dr. Nabil Fahmy stressed on Tuesday the necessity of shifting joint Arab action from a reactive phase to one of initiative and proactive engagement, formulating a forward-looking Arab vision for the region’s future amid rapid transformations in the international system and growing regional challenges.

This came during a lecture delivered by Fahmy at the Kuwaiti Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute, titled “The Future of Joint Arab Action,” as part of his official visit to Kuwait. During the visit, he outlined his vision for enhancing the effectiveness of joint Arab action, restoring confidence in Arab institutions, and developing mechanisms for dealing with current crises and challenges.

Fahmy noted that the international system established after World War II was based on the UN Charter and two core principles: the prohibition of the use of force outside a clear legal framework, such as Security Council resolutions or the right to self-defense, and respect for state sovereignty. He pointed out that the international reality is undergoing a shift from “a system based on the rule of law to one based on the law of force.”

He explained that economic and trade tools are increasingly being used in conflicts, including issues related to international waterways and the imposition of unilateral rules affecting states not party to the disputes. He added that technological advancements, including the use of drones and artificial intelligence applications, have accelerated the military decision-making cycle and increased targeting of civilian sites.

Fahmy emphasized that the Arab region lies at the heart of international transformations, and calls for isolation from global developments are unrealistic. He noted that most Arab states are small or medium-sized compared to major powers, making it less effective to confront challenges individually or through a reactive mindset to protect national interests.

In this context, he introduced the concept of “political deterrence,” which, alongside defensive capabilities, relies on strengthening states’ self-reliance, diversifying political relations to provide broader options for serving national interests, and managing relations with neighboring countries efficiently and effectively.

Fahmy stressed the importance of building an Arab agenda based on initiative and advance planning, offering alternatives for the region’s future. He noted that positive competition among Arab states can support stability and development without undermining the national security of any Arab country, and that what unites Arab states in the long-term strategic horizon outweighs any temporary differences.

He outlined three main pillars of the joint Arab action agenda: effectively addressing crises by resolving Arab issues with Arab expertise; development as continuous preparation for the future; and sustainable development as a cornerstone for enhancing stability and realizing the aspirations of Arab peoples.

He reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue in joint Arab action, grounded in international law and the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the Arab League in 2002, which is based on a two-state solution and ending occupation. He called for active Arab follow-up to implement the provisions of the agreement concerning the Gaza Strip.

Regarding regional relations, Fahmy affirmed the interconnection between the national security of Arab states and regional security, stressing that relations with neighboring countries must be based on respect for national sovereignty and international law principles, and emphasizing the importance of preserving national states and the unity of their institutions in Sudan, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.

He also highlighted the importance of the youth and water dossiers in shaping the future of the Arab region, noting that young people account for more than 65 percent of the Arab world’s population, while the region is among the most affected by water scarcity globally. This makes Arab cooperation in water and food security a strategic priority. In this regard, he stressed the importance of exchanging expertise and experiences among Arab countries, particularly in irrigation and desalination, to help confront water challenges, enhance food security, and achieve sustainable development.

In response to attendees’ questions, Fahmi said that the decline in confidence in joint Arab action represents one of the most prominent challenges he has faced since the beginning of his tenure, emphasizing that restoring this confidence requires tangible achievements that Arab citizens can feel, rather than relying solely on political rhetoric. He clarified that rebuilding trust should begin with dossiers offering opportunities for success and delivering practical results, before moving on to more sensitive and complex issues. He pointed out that the challenge lies less in the provisions of the Arab League Charter and more in practical implementation and the formulation of clear decisions with specific, actionable objectives.

He described the relationship between the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council as one of complementarity rather than competition, noting an agreement to enhance communication and consultation channels between the two secretariats to support coordination and cooperation on matters of common interest.

Fahmi addressed a message to the new generation of Arab diplomats, stressing that diplomatic work is a responsibility and a trust that demands careful listening, strict adherence to instructions, and conveying a comprehensive and candid picture of reality to decision-makers, thereby enabling them to make appropriate decisions based on accurate information and objective assessment.

The lecture was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Al-Mushaan, several senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accredited members of the diplomatic corps in Kuwait, and representatives of international organizations. The dialogue was moderated by Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi.

The lecture comes months after Fahmi assumed his duties as Secretary-General of the Arab League on July 1, 2026, and marks his second lecture at the institute, following a previous one titled “The Arab Situation: Present and Future.” (End) N.M.A. / N.W.F.