Latest news with #UNEconomicandSocialCommissionforWesternAsia
Al Etihad
08-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE hits near-perfect digital services maturity score in new UN report
9 May 2025 00:10 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)The UAE has achieved a near-perfect result of 95% in the UN's latest Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index (GEMS 2024). It received full marks in 24 out of 35 key performance indicators, putting it in the top tier of the "very advanced maturity" category - an honour reserved for only three of the 17 countries a score of 0.95, the UAE came just 0.01 points behind the top-ranked country, Saudi Arabia. What set the UAE apart, however, was the consistency and depth of its digital government infrastructure, especially in mobile services, where it clearly led the report, published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, evaluates government service maturity across three core areas: Service Availability and Development; User Uptake and Satisfaction; and Government Outreach and UAE claimed the top spot in the first cluster with a flawless 100%. It also secured the highest position in the third cluster, where it shared the lead with Saudi Arabia at 99%. In the second cluster, the UAE came in second with a score of 88%, again one of the highest in the GEMS Index stands apart from other international digital rankings by going beyond basic service availability. It also looks at how services evolve, whether people use them, how satisfied they are, and how well governments engage the public. The assessment spans 100 essential services people rely on in daily life - from health and education to employment, transport, and institutional UAE delivered exceptionally high marks across all categories, but its edge was most visible in mobile service delivery. Of the 35 key performance indicators evaluated across all platforms, it ranked first in eight and shared the top spot in another 16, the majority of which were linked to mobile access and functionality. These included everything from service availability and platform sophistication to accessibility for people with disabilities, multilingual support, and overall user year's results show clear progress for the UAE. The country improved by three percentage points over last year's score of 92%, reflecting the leadership's approach of not just expanding digital services, but also paying attention to how well they work in practice. The Arab region as a whole showed modest improvement, with the average maturity score rising from 43% in 2023 to 45% in 2024. The report recorded a 16% increase in the number of services evaluated this year, which it said points to a broader regional move toward digital transformation, as more governments scale up efforts to digitise public services.
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia topped MENA region in e-government services for third successive year in 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia ranked first for the third successive year among countries in the Middle East and North Africa region in the 2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index. The index, published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, measures the maturity of government services provided through electronic applications and portals. Saudi Arabia ranked first in the 2024 index, outperforming 16 other countries and achieving a maturity rate of 96 percent in delivering digital government services, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, the governor of the Digital Government Authority, praised the achievement on Monday, saying it was the result of collaboration among government agencies, the use of technologies and artificial intelligence, and the introduction of digital products to deliver government services. The Kingdom ranked fourth in the index in 2020 and second in 2021 before taking the top spot in 2022 and 2023. Alsuwaiyan noted that the progress was due to significant improvements in digital services across essential sectors, including health, education, and smart cities. Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the healthcare sector by offering citizens and residents digital prescriptions, appointment bookings, and telehealth services, while remote learning platforms and electronic university admissions have been established in the education sector.
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
US tariff escalation puts $22bn of Arab exports at risk, says ESCWA report
RIYADH: Arab countries could see up to $22 billion in non-oil exports affected by sweeping new US tariffs, with six economies facing the most direct disruption, according to a new analysis. A report by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia said the measures, imposed on April 2, include a blanket 10 percent tariff on nearly all imports, with rates climbing as high as 42 percent for countries with trade surpluses. While oil remains exempt, the duties now cover a broad range of industrial goods such as textiles, fertilizers, aluminium and electronics, effectively nullifying trade preferences previously granted to Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco and Oman. ESCWA said that exports from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia are expected to be 'significantly affected by the new tariff hikes,' with Jordan facing the highest exposure due to its reliance on the US market. 'A country having a higher share of non-oil exports to the United States is expected to be directly impacted,' the report stated. 'The direct impact is particularly high for countries where exports to the United States constitute a major share of their total global exports.' While some Arab countries like Egypt and Morocco initially appeared well-positioned to benefit from trade diversion away from heavily tariffed economies like China and India, that potential has faded following a policy shift by Washington. 'With the pause announced on 9 April for most countries, excluding China, the trade diversion effect in favor of most Arab countries is likely to disappear,' ESCWA noted. ESCWA noted that the impact will vary considerably across the region. Five other countries — Algeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — are likely to see smaller effects, while eleven Arab countries are projected to experience negligible exposure due to limited or no exports to the US. These include Iraq, Kuwait, and Libya, as well as several least developed countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and the Comoros. While direct trade impacts will be concentrated among a handful of countries, the broader Arab region may still suffer from indirect effects tied to global demand conditions. ESCWA warned that reduced consumption from key partners such as China and the EU — both major buyers of Arab goods — could negatively affect export performance across the board. The EU accounts for 72 percent of Tunisia's exports and 68 percent of Morocco's, while China purchases 22 percent of the GCC's oil and chemicals. Preliminary macroeconomic modeling for 2025 indicates moderate net impacts for the Agadir Agreement countries — Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. These nations are expected to see declines in gross domestic product, exports and investment, though some mitigation may occur through limited trade redirection. GCC economies, by contrast, are projected to experience a smaller aggregate effect, with real GDP declining slightly. However, the report suggests that losses in oil revenue, tied to falling prices and reduced global demand, could weigh more heavily on fiscal outcomes. The simulation assumes full implementation of the April 2 US tariffs and corresponding retaliatory measures from China announced on April 5. Based on this scenario, real GDP in the Agadir countries is projected to fall by 0.41 percent, exports by 1.41 percent, and total investment by 0.38 percent. The GCC region is expected to register a GDP loss of just 0.10 percent, reflecting lower exposure to US tariffs but higher vulnerability to oil market fluctuations. The fiscal dimension of the shock is also becoming more apparent. Rising global uncertainty has already driven up borrowing costs for many Arab economies. Between April 2 and April 9, 10-year bond yields increased by 36 basis points in Arab middle-income countries and by 32 basis points in the GCC. The impact is particularly acute in debt-heavy MICs. ESCWA estimates that Egypt will face an additional $56 million in interest payments in 2025, Morocco $39 million, Jordan $14 million, and Tunisia $5 million. These increases, while modest in dollar terms, represent a non-trivial strain on public finances. The Arab region's trade relationship with the US has already been weakening. Total exports from Arab countries to the US dropped from $91 billion in 2013 to $48 billion in 2024, primarily due to the decline in American crude oil imports. However, non-oil exports have grown steadily, from $14 billion in 2013 to $22 billion last year, underscoring the increasing relevance of industrial and value-added goods in Arab export profiles. In light of these developments, ESCWA is urging Arab governments to respond with coordinated policy actions. Recommended measures include accelerating regional economic integration, pursuing carve-outs under existing trade agreements, and recalibrating free trade arrangements to avoid preference erosion. The agency also emphasized the need for countries to strengthen fiscal buffers and diversify trade and investment partnerships. As the geopolitical and trade environment grows more uncertain, Arab economies are being advised to prepare for continued volatility. 'Arab countries must recognize the diverse, and sometimes contradictory effects of the United States tariff escalation,' ESCWA stated, warning that policy inaction could expose vulnerable economies to prolonged disruptions.
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Regional leaders rally for sustainable development goals at Beirut forum
RIYADH: Regional leaders and development experts gathered in Beirut for the 2025 Arab Forum for Sustainable Development to assess progress on the UN's global goals and explore strategies to speed up their implementation. Held under the patronage of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the three-day event—titled 'Restoring Hope, Raising Ambition'—is organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, in collaboration with the League of Arab States and other UN agencies. The forum focuses on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals across the Arab region, highlighting both achievements and persistent challenges. As a vital platform ahead of two key global gatherings — the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha this November and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development — the forum helps shape regional priorities around inclusive growth, social equity, and financial inclusion. Financial inclusion A central theme of the forum was the urgent need to advance financial inclusion in the Arab region, where approximately 197 million adults — representing 64 percent of the population— remain unbanked, the highest rate globally. In a panel titled 'Advancing Financial Inclusion in the Arab Region,' experts emphasized that true inclusion goes far beyond opening bank accounts—it's about transforming lives and building economic resilience. Nasser Al-Kahtani, executive director of the Arab Gulf Program for Development, underscored the need to view financial inclusion as a strategic investment, not just a policy goal. Sherif Lokman, sub-governor of Egypt's Central Bank, highlighted the need for national commitment, stating: 'Every head of state should look to financial inclusion as something top important. A central bank cannot alone make financial inclusion happen.' He detailed Egypt's efforts, including training 12,000 bank employees in sign language to better serve people with disabilities. Maher Mahrouq, director general of Jordan's Association of Banks, outlined Jordan's target to raise financial inclusion to 65 percent by 2028 and reduce the gender gap to 12 percent. Meanwhile, Fatma Triki from Tunisia's Enda Inter-Arabe noted that her country had already achieved 75 percent financial inclusion in 2021. The UN Special Rapporteur on Disability Rights, Heba Hagrass, called for at least 80 percent inclusion to ensure marginalized groups are not left behind. 'One of the main obstacles to full financial inclusion are policies,' she said, urging reforms to dismantle barriers. Lebanon's reform agenda and call for Arab unity During a ministerial discussion on the road to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, Lebanon's Finance Minister Yassine Jaber urged the adoption of a unified Arab strategy to fund sustainable development. 'We need a combined effort between governments and international funders,' he said, as he outlined Lebanon's reform program aimed at recovery from years of economic crisis. Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the forum, Jaber elaborated on the country's efforts to rebuild trust in its banking sector after a prolonged financial collapse. He identified the appointment of new leadership at the central bank as a crucial first step in restoring public confidence and promoting financial inclusion. 'During the coming weeks, we'll be appointing a new vice governor and the new bank control commission, so that the whole team will be there to start preparing for a solution to this banking crisis,' Jaber told Arab News. He added: 'Also, we just passed two laws. One amends the Bank Secrecy Law to allow the Bank Control Commission to have more access. The second law regulates the banking system to ensure banks are healthy, have good capital adequacy, and can operate in a trustworthy way.' Jaber also noted the central bank's plans to implement a gradual approach to returning deposits, prioritizing smaller account holders. 'There's no banking system in the world that can give back all the deposits to all the people at the same time. So we'll start with the smaller depositors, then move to higher amounts.' Reflecting on regional economic collaboration, Jaber expressed frustration over long-standing obstacles. Recalling his role in the 1990s as economy minister, he said: 'I still remember how hard we worked … and always had obstacles that actually a lot of them still exist. With globalization falling apart, the Arab world has to create its own regional cooperation system.' He also underscored the significance of Lebanon hosting the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, despite the country's ongoing challenges. 'The important thing is that this is happening here, in spite of everything, we still have this conference happening. We still have ESCWA here. Lebanon is stretching its hand out for cooperation.' Jaber concluded by noting Lebanon's plans to participate in the upcoming IMF-World Bank meetings in Washington, signaling its readiness to re-engage with the international financial community. Challenges and commitments The forum also featured remarks from Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the Arab League, who acknowledged that conflict and instability continue to obstruct sustainable development across the region. Yet, he struck an optimistic tone: 'Despite these challenges, we see a strong and determined Arab will to transform obstacles into opportunities.' Echoing this call for resilience, ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti stressed the need for tangible results over rhetoric. 'Hope is not restored through words and promises—it is restored through action, accountability, and justice,' she said. The Arab Forum for Sustainable Development comes at a critical juncture, as preparations ramp up for the Second World Social Summit in Doha, which will address longstanding gaps in social development. The UN has positioned the summit as an opportunity to 'reaffirm our dedication to social progress' and ensure that no one is left behind. ESCWA's Annual SDG Review 2025, released during the forum, shed light on persistent inequalities in financial access across the Arab world. The report revealed that only 29 percent of Arab women have access to bank accounts—the lowest rate globally—while just 36 percent of adults use digital payments, compared to a global average of 67 percent. The review also highlighted Lebanon's acute banking trust crisis. Despite relatively moderate access to financial services, actual usage drops to just 10 percent, reflecting widespread public mistrust in the financial system. As the forum's second day wrapped up, participants emphasized the importance of digital finance, regulatory reform, and stronger regional cooperation to close these gaps. With Lebanon working to restore its financial footing and Arab nations seeking unified solutions, the AFSD has laid the groundwork for meaningful dialogue ahead of November's global summit.
Shafaq News
11-03-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's global standing: education gap, security risks, and economic challenges
Shafaq News/ Iraq continues to face significant challenges in education, security, and economic well-being, as reflected in recent global reports. Education: Gender Disparity in Higher Education Iraq remains among the countries where men significantly outnumber women in obtaining higher education, according to data published by the Arab Barometer network. The data shows that 28% of Iraqi men have attained post-secondary education, compared to only 20% of women. In contrast, Kuwait recorded the highest female higher education attainment rate among Arab countries, with 79% of women holding post-secondary degrees compared to 71% of men. At the other end of the spectrum, Mauritania had the largest gender disparity, with only 15% of women receiving higher education, compared to 29% of men—the lowest ratio in the survey and below the global average. Security: Iraq Ranks 13th in Terrorism Impact Iraq ranked 13th globally in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, issued by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The index reported an increase in the number of countries experiencing terrorist attacks, rising from 58 to 66. While the Middle East saw a 7% decline in terrorist incidents in 2024, with 618 recorded attacks, ongoing violence between Israel and Palestinian factions has contributed to regional instability. Syria ranked 3rd globally in terrorism impact, followed by Somalia (7th), while Iraq came 13th, Yemen 22nd, and Palestine 25th. Among the least affected Arab nations, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, and Sudan recorded zero terrorism incidents, according to the report. Economy: Iraq's Standing in Wealth and Public Spending A recent UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) report ranked Iraq 12th among 20 Arab nations and 118th globally (out of 173 countries) in terms of material well-being, based on actual per capita spending. The report indicates that the average annual expenditure per Iraqi citizen was USD 6,461. Regarding individual income levels, Iraq ranked 9th in the Arab world and 106th globally, with an annual per capita income of USD 12,421. In terms of government spending per capita, Iraq also ranked 9th regionally and 102nd worldwide. The report noted that telecommunication services are the most expensive sector for Iraqis, while education remains the least costly compared to other expenses.
