Latest from Oujda City
Oujda City
18-07-2025
- 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.
Oujda City
11-07-2025
- General
- Oujda City
Are we living in the age of mediocracy ?
BENZEKRI Amina In an age where speed trumps depth, and popularity often outshines substance, one can't help but ask: Are we living in the age of mediocracy? Increasingly, signs suggest that excellence is no longer the primary currency in many aspects of society — whether in politics, education, the workplace, or the digital world. Social media platforms are the pulse of modern discourse, but they are driven by algorithms that favor virality over value. Thoughtful ideas rarely trend. Instead, it's short, emotional, and often superficial content that captures attention. Echo chambers flourish, while nuanced debate struggles to survive. In such a system, mediocrity doesn't just survive — it thrives. In the past, authority was earned through expertise and accomplishment. Today, it's often earned through visibility. Politicians, influencers, and public figures rise to prominence based on followers, not necessarily on wisdom or integrity. In many areas, what matters most is being seen — not being right. Our cultural products reflect this trend. The movie industry is saturated with sequels and reboots, music often follows algorithm-optimized formulas, and publishing rewards quantity over originality. In education, too, grades are often prioritized over critical thinking, and systems are built to produce conformity, not creativity. In many organizations, risk-taking is penalized and innovation is reduced to buzzwords. Employees who challenge mediocrity or push for excellence can be seen as disruptive, while those who maintain the status quo are often rewarded. As a result, mediocrity becomes institutionalized — not just tolerated, but promoted. Ironically, many of these changes come from a well-intentioned idea: to make access universal. Today, anyone can publish a book, make a film, launch a podcast, or become a creator. But while this democratization is powerful, it also flattens quality. With everyone speaking, it's harder to hear those with something truly meaningful to say. Yes. In every age of noise, there are still those who listen. In every crowd, there are thinkers who dig deeper. While mediocrity may be loud and common, excellence still exists — and it still matters. The challenge is not just to recognize mediocracy, but to resist it — in our thinking, our choices, and our creations.
Oujda City
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Oujda City
War in the age of AI
War in the Age of AI is a profound transformation of traditional warfare driven by artificial intelligence. Here's a clear overview of how AI is shaping modern conflicts: Autonomous Drones: Can identify and strike targets without human input. Smart Missiles: AI improves targeting precision and minimizes collateral damage. Robot Soldiers: Still experimental, but could carry out missions in dangerous zones. AI-powered reconnaissance: Processes data from satellites, drones, and sensors faster than humans. Predictive analytics: AI anticipates enemy moves based on patterns, improving strategy. Real-time decision support: Commanders get instant, AI-filtered battlefield updates. Cyber Warfare Offensive capabilities: AI creates smarter malware that adapts to defenses. Defensive systems: Detect intrusions and patch vulnerabilities in real-time. Deepfakes & Disinformation: AI is used to manipulate public opinion or create fake audio/video of leaders. Autonomous supply chains: Self-driving vehicles and drones deliver supplies in combat zones. AI war games: Simulations help train soldiers and test strategic scenarios. Human-AI collaboration: AI enhances but doesn't replace human decision-making (for now). Autonomy vs. Accountability: Who is responsible when an AI weapon kills? Bias in algorithms: AI might misidentify targets due to biased or flawed data. International laws: Current rules lag behind AI's rapid development. Nations with advanced AI (like the U.S., China, and Russia) gain military dominance. Developing countries risk becoming battlegrounds for AI-powered proxy wars. The AI arms race could increase global instability
Oujda City
01-06-2025
- Health
- Oujda City
How Can we build self-confidence ?
BENZEKRI Amina Building self-confidence is a gradual process that involves both mindset and action. Here are some practical steps to help you develop it: Know Yourself Identify your strengths and what you're good at. Be honest about areas for improvement, but don't dwell on them. Understand your values—what matters to you and why. Start with realistic, achievable goals. Each success builds momentum and reinforces confidence. Track your progress to see how far you've come. Challenge negative thoughts. Replace 'I can't' with 'I'm learning.' Speak to yourself as you would to a good friend—with kindness and encouragement. Exercise, sleep, and eat well—your physical state affects how you feel about yourself. Mindfulness, meditation, or prayer can ground you and reduce self-doubt. Spend time with people who uplift you. Limit exposure to those who constantly criticize or undermine you.
Oujda City
18-04-2025
- Oujda City
The Illusion of Knowledge in the Age of Technology
BENZEKRI Amina We live in an era where knowledge appears to be just a click away. With a quick search, we can find answers to nearly any question. We have access to podcasts, articles, videos, and AI tools—seemingly unlimited information at our fingertips. And yet, paradoxically, this unprecedented access can lead not to enlightenment, but to the illusion of knowledge. This illusion arises when we mistake information for understanding. Reading a few headlines or watching a short video can give us a sense that we've 'learned' something, but true knowledge is more than familiarity. It demands critical thinking, context, and time. Just as holding a recipe book doesn't make one a chef, browsing through facts doesn't make one wise. Technology amplifies this illusion. Algorithms are designed to keep us engaged, often by confirming what we already believe. We fall into echo chambers, consuming content that flatters our perspective rather than challenges it. As a result, we may become more confident in our opinions—while becoming less informed in any meaningful way. The danger is not in technology itself, but in our relationship with it. The ancient philosopher Socrates warned of this very problem in a different form, cautioning against the appearance of wisdom without the substance. In the digital age, his insight is more relevant than ever. To combat the illusion of knowledge, we must embrace intellectual humility. We must be willing to say, 'I don't know,' and to pursue depth over speed. Real learning is often uncomfortable—it requires effort, doubt, and the willingness to be wrong. Technology should be a bridge to wisdom, not a shortcut past it. The challenge of our time is not finding information—it is learning how to understand, question, and integrate it. Only then can we move beyond illusion, and toward true knowledge.
