Latest news with #ESCWA
Oujda City
6 days ago
- Business
- Oujda City
AI Will Reshape Millions of Jobs—ESCWA Calls for Urgent Skills Shift in the Arab Region
Press Release AI Will Reshape Millions of Jobs—ESCWA Calls for Urgent Skills Shift in the Arab Region Beirut, 17 July 2025–As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global landscape, it brings with it a host of complex challenges that demand urgent attention. Ethical dilemmas, data governance concerns, algorithmic bias, and the risk of exacerbating existing inequalities are all intensifying as AI technologies evolve. These risks underscore the critical need for robust regulatory frameworks and inclusive policymaking to ensure AI development remains equitable and responsible. Amid this paradigm shift, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) released a report on 'Artificial Intelligence Futures for the Arab Region,' exploring the transformative power of AI and its potential to revolutionize key sectors like health care, education, and government services, and examining its far-reaching implications for the region through 2040. The world is accelerating AI adoption at an unprecedented pace. Since 2022, the Arab region has been steadily advancing its AI capabilities—surpassing even the adoption rates of mobile phones and the internet. While AI is projected to displace approximately 83 million jobs globally, it is also expected to create 69 million new ones. 'The pace of AI advancement leaves no room for delay,' said ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti. 'Arab leaders must act decisively to unlock its transformative power while mitigating the complex risks it introduces.' The report reveals that by the end of 2024, 35% of the world's businesses had integrated AI technologies into their operations, while another 42% were considering AI for future implementation. Moreover, over half of enterprises with more than 5,000 employees are already utilizing AI. Additionally, more than 90% of government organizations surveyed globally are either using or exploring AI. AI is also reshaping the labour market, according to the report. Skill gaps remain the most significant barrier to business transformation, with 63% of employers identifying this as a top challenge between 2025 and 2030. In response, 85% of employers plan to invest in workforce upskilling, while 70% intend to hire talent with new skills. In the Arab region, AI is increasingly seen as a driver of innovation and sustainable development. The report explores pathways for further embracing it, namely optimizing AI technologies and partnerships for local priorities; investing in AI services rooted in the Arab region's language and culture as a whole; or accelerating the application of AI against specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. 'The report offers a timely road map to ensure that AI becomes a catalyst for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development, aligned with the region's unique aspirations and priorities,' Dashti added. The report calls for the development and adoption of a unified AI governance framework for the region tackling privacy, safety and ethical concerns; the diversification of partnerships for AI, namely with the Global South; the establishment of a region-wide job skill programme leveraging AI tools; and the promotion of data sharing across the region on open source platforms to encourage AI innovation for advancing the SDGs. It also concludes with stressing the need for a proactive, cross-disciplinary approach to AI policy that looks beyond the short term and considers the long-term, multigenerational implications of this technological shift. About ESCWA One of five United Nations regional commissions, ESCWA supports inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Arab States, and works on enhancing regional integration.
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Kuwait Times
Traffic conference eyes smart awareness system
Participants take a group photo after the Arab Conference of Heads of Traffic Authorities. - KUNA TUNIS: The 21st Arab Conference of Heads of Traffic Departments, chaired by Kuwait, concluded its two-day session Thursday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing traffic safety and cooperation across the Arab region. Among the key outcomes was a call to circulate the smart traffic awareness system — developed by the Fujairah Police General Command and winner of the 2024 Prince Naif Award for Arab Security in the pioneering security programs category — to member states for implementation and benefit. Participants were also urged to actively engage in the Prince Naif Award for Arab Security competition across its three categories: pioneering security programs, security studies and security media creativity. The conference stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among traffic departments in Arab countries, and agreed to refer a proposal for the establishment of a unified Arab traffic analytical database to member states for further examination. In addition, a Libyan proposal to unify the Arab awareness discourse on traffic safety was referred for consultation, while the General Secretariat was tasked with initiating discussions with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to explore avenues of cooperation involving ESCWA's Arab Integrated Observatory for Traffic Safety, the General Secretariat and the Arab Office for Supporting Security Services Affairs. Delegates also reviewed best practices from several member states in traffic regulation and accident reduction. The General Secretariat was asked to circulate these experiences to facilitate knowledge sharing and to develop a consolidated vision from reports submitted by member states on their national efforts in this field. Moreover, the conference encouraged countries to utilize traffic awareness campaigns aligned with both Arab and international events. The recommendations will be submitted to the next session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers for final approval. Kuwait chaired the conference, with participation from heads and representatives of Arab traffic departments and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. The Kuwaiti delegation included Brigadier Munif Al-Mutairi, Colonel Yousef Al-Haddad and First Lieutenant Nawaf Al-Mutairi. — KUNA
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
National team charts new strategy to elevate Oman's Global Innovation Index score
Muscat – Oman's national team tasked with improving the sultanate's standing in the Global Innovation Index (GII) convened its 21st meeting on Wednesday to review strategic developments and simulation tools that could support future policy shifts. Chaired by H E Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Hadabi, Undersecretary at Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the meeting focused on applying recommendations from a recent regional workshop organised by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The workshop introduced a simulation system aimed at helping Arab policymakers assess gaps and build targeted innovation strategies. Team members discussed methodologies presented at the workshop, including the use of simulation tools to analyse GII indicators and build improvement scenarios. They also reviewed progress in formulating a medi-um-term strategic plan and outlined operational steps for both the policies and initiatives team and data management team. The GII team operates under the National Competitiveness Committee and aims to improve Oman's global innovation ranking through a unified, cross-sectoral approach. It coordinates efforts with Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and other stakeholders. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
16-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Team charts strategy to elevate Oman's Global Innovation ranking
Muscat – Oman's national team tasked with improving the sultanate's standing in the Global Innovation Index (GII) convened its 21st meeting on Wednesday to review strategic developments and simulation tools that could support future policy shifts. Chaired by H E Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Hadabi, Undersecretary at Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the meeting focused on applying recommendations from a recent regional workshop organised by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The workshop introduced a simulation system aimed at helping Arab policymakers assess gaps and build targeted innovation strategies. Team members discussed methodologies presented at the workshop, including the use of simulation tools to analyse GII indicators and build improvement scenarios. They also reviewed progress in formulating a medi-um-term strategic plan and outlined operational steps for both the policies and initiatives team and data management team. The GII team operates under the National Competitiveness Committee and aims to improve Oman's global innovation ranking through a unified, cross-sectoral approach. It coordinates efforts with Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and other stakeholders.
Libya Observer
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Libya takes over presidency of ESCWA Social Development Committee
Libya has officially assumed the presidency of the Social Development Committee under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), with Minister of Social Affairs Wafaa Al-Kilani representing the country, succeeding Lebanon. The transition occurred during the opening session of the committee's 16th meeting, held in the Algerian capital, with the attendance of Arab ministers of social affairs, heads of member state delegations, and ESCWA officials. In her speech, Minister Al-Kilani reaffirmed Libya's dedication to advancing social development efforts, expanding protection and care networks for vulnerable groups, and strengthening regional coordination. She stressed the importance of joint action to achieve the sustainable development goals and to promote equality and social justice across the region. News Tagged: Ministry of Social Affairs
