Professor of History at the University of Jordan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al al-Bayt University, and member of the editorial board of the Journal of Middle Eastern Studies.
This report delves into the pivotal speech delivered by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, at the Arab Summit Conference in Manama, Bahrain, on May 16, 2024. It meticulously examines the key points of the speech, including the Secretary-General's emphasis on the Arab nation's rich historical legacy, the imperative of leveraging their abundant resources, and the potential of their skilled human capital. The speech also underscored the unity importance of the Arab world, stretching from the Arabian Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean.
The speech warned of the repercussions of fragmentation and divisions. It also warned of external interference, fueling conflicts and preventing economic and social development. It called for the solidarity of Arab countries to advance their societies, restore their strength, and liberate themselves from foreign domination. He pointed out the need to carry out profound reforms to the global system so that it becomes multilateral, not dominated by one country, and the need for Arab countries to pressure Israel and the United States of America to stop the fighting in Gaza, and to intervene in order to bring peace to Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and Libya.
It is crucial to underscore the significance of the Secretary-General's speech in the current Arab context. The Arab world is grappling with unprecedented challenges, and the Secretary-General's address at the Arab Summit Conference carries immense weight. However, the final statement of the Arab Conference does not indicate that his advice was heeded, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
Keywords: Manama Conference, Antonio Guterres, the United Nations, the Arab Summit Conference
