Latest news with #UnitedNationsEconomicandSocialCommissionforWesternAsia
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.
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- 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
Observer
26-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman participates in Arab forum for equality
ALGIERS: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the Fourth Arab Forum for Equality "Dialogue and Solutions" 2025, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, represented Oman at the forum. This year's forum focused on discussing regional priorities to address inequality and social protection amid the crises facing the Arab region. It examined how social protection systems can reduce inequalities stemming from economic, environmental, humanitarian and political challenges, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development. During a panel discussion on "Financing Comprehensive Social Protection", Dr Al Najjar highlighted Oman's key national experiences and practices in this field, including the implementation of a social protection system to enhance financial and operational efficiency, diversify funding sources and provide direct cash benefits to the elderly, children, orphans, widows, persons with disabilities and low-income families. - ONA
Observer
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman at ESCWA meeting on social development in Algeria
ALGIERS: The Sultanate of Oman on Monday took part in the 16th session of the Social Development Committee of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The meeting was held in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Oman's delegation to the meeting was headed by Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. During its sessions, the ESCWA committee discussed topics related to social protection systems in the Arab region as a means of promoting equality. It also underlined the importance of adopting innovative and more comprehensive policies to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of social programmes. The meeting reviewed ESCWA's efforts in the field of social development, recommendations issued by the Committee at its 15th session, activities of ESCWA 'Intersessional Expert Working Group on Persons with Disabilities' and the organisation's 'Expert Group on Social Protection Reform'. The session will include the 'Fourth Arab Forum for Equality', which will highlight the ability of social protection systems to address the most serious forms of inequality. The participation of the Ministry of Social Development in the meeting stems from its commitment to enhance regional cooperation, exchange expertise and support efforts for achieving sustainable development and ameliorate citizens' quality of life. — ONA
