GCC secretary-general, UN official discuss regional challenges in Bangkok

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, met with Jorge Moreira da Silva, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Bangkok. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

At the start of the meeting, Jorge Moreira da Silva reviewed the dire situation in Gaza, highlighting the economic, humanitarian, and development challenges facing its residents. He also outlined the efforts by the UN Secretary-General’s team to develop technical mechanisms to address humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz.

Strengthening joint cooperation

Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi stressed the importance of mobilizing international efforts to support the Palestinian people on all fronts. He emphasized the need to ensure unrestricted and toll-free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as in the past, and called for international cooperation to safeguard maritime security and the safety of shipping lanes.

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The meeting also reviewed aspects of cooperation between the GCC and UNOPS, and discussed ways to further develop and enhance joint efforts in humanitarian and development projects. The aim is to support the international community’s efforts to achieve sustainable development and promote security and stability both regionally and globally.