Latest news with #RolaDashti
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.
Ya Biladi
21-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
ESCWA : U.S. tariffs threaten $22 billion in Arab exports, but Morocco could seize opportunity
In a cautionary policy brief issued Saturday, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) warned that «trade protectionism» by the United States—referring to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on U.S. trade partners—will significantly impact Arab economies. The Commission, composed of 21 member states from North Africa and the Middle East, estimates that this move could put $22 billion in non-oil exports at risk. For Morocco—along with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia—ESCWA predicts an additional $114 million in sovereign interest payments in 2025, following the implementation of the new tariffs. According to ESCWA, this increase stems from rising global bond yields and growing investor uncertainty, placing further pressure on public finances and potentially delaying development spending. Morocco may also feel the impact of slowing demand from key partners, notably the European Union, which currently absorbs 68% of the Kingdom's exports. Yet not all is negative. ESCWA notes that shifting U.S. trade dynamics may offer opportunities for trade diversion for Morocco and Egypt in particular. As American tariffs on Chinese and Indian goods increase, Moroccan and Egyptian exports could gain a competitive edge in the U.S. market, ESCWA said. However, the Commission cautions that the recent 90-day tariff pause—excluding China—could limit the extent of this benefit. Overall, total Arab exports to the U.S. have declined from $91 billion in 2013 to $48 billion in 2024, primarily due to reduced U.S. crude oil imports. Non-oil exports, on the other hand, have nearly doubled—from $14 billion to $22 billion—driven by growth in textiles, chemicals, aluminum, fertilizers, and electronics. That progress is now under threat. Jordan is among the most vulnerable, with nearly 25% of its exports bound for the U.S., while Bahrain's aluminum and chemical sectors are also flagged as high-risk. The UAE faces tariffs on an estimated $10 billion in re-exports to the U.S., primarily goods originating from third countries. ESCWA emphasizes the need for stronger regional cooperation to navigate the crisis. It calls for accelerating the implementation of the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area, advancing the GCC Customs Union, and strengthening cooperation under the Agadir Agreement—a free trade pact between Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia that entered into force in 2007. Investments in logistics and regulatory harmonization are also seen as key to repositioning Arab countries in global value chains. «Despite the pressures, there is an opportunity here to accelerate structural reforms and deepen resilience», said ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti. «The region is at a strategic inflection point», she added. On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a new global trade policy imposing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. Morocco will be subject to this 10% tariff, which serves as the standard rate. While the primary targets are China, the European Union, and Canada, the move could also affect Morocco's trade with the U.S.—a relationship already marked by imbalance. In 2024, the U.S. trade surplus with Morocco reached $3.4 billion, a dramatic rise from just $35 million in 2005, one year after the two countries signed a Free Trade Agreement.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
US tariffs threaten $22bln in Arab non-oil exports, says ESCWA
A dramatic escalation in trade protectionism by the US is significantly impacting Arab economies, placing $22 billion in non-oil exports at risk, according to a policy brief issued today (April 19) by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Total Arab exports to the US declined from $91 billion in 2013 to $48 billion in 2024 - largely due to reduced US crude oil imports. Yet non-oil exports nearly doubled over the same period, climbing from $14 billion to $22 billion, with sectors like textiles, chemicals, aluminum, fertilizers, and electronics driving the growth. That progress is now under serious threat. Jordan is the most exposed, with nearly 25% of its total exports destined for the US. Bahrain, heavily reliant on aluminum and chemical exports to the American market, is also flagged for heightened risk, said the report. Meanwhile, the UAE too faces disruptions to an estimated $10 billion in US-bound re-exports due to tariffs levied on goods originating from third countries. ESCWA also pointed out that GCC economies are facing a recent sharp drop in global oil prices, which is further straining fiscal revenues and testing the resilience of Gulf economies reliant on hydrocarbon exports. The financial implications are also significant, it stated in the report. ESCWA estimates that Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Tunisia will pay $114 million more in sovereign interest payments in 2025 due to rising bond yields linked to global investor uncertainty. This increase in borrowing costs threatens to constrain national budgets and delay development spending. On the demand side, reduced imports from major global partners such as the European Union and China are likely to add pressure, it stated. The EU currently absorbs 72% of Tunisia's exports and 68% of Morocco's, while China imports 22% of GCC oil and chemical exports. "Despite the pressures, there is an opportunity here to accelerate structural reforms and deepen resilience," remarked ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti. "The region is at a strategic inflection point," she added. Despite the headwinds, ESCWA highlights potential opportunities for trade diversion. Egypt and Morocco could gain US market share as higher tariffs on Chinese and Indian goods make Arab exports more competitive - although the recent 90-day tariff pause (excluding China) may limit the scale of that effect. To navigate the crisis, ESCWA in its brief has urged Arab countries to accelerate regional integration. It recommends advancing the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area, implementing the GCC Customs Union, and expanding cooperation under the Agadir Agreement. It also calls for renewed investment in logistics infrastructure and regulatory reforms to reposition Arab countries within global value chains, she added. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
19-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
US tariffs threaten $22bn in Arab non-oil exports, says ESCWA
A dramatic escalation in trade protectionism by the US is significantly impacting Arab economies, placing $22 billion in non-oil exports at risk, according to a policy brief issued today (April 19) by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Total Arab exports to the US declined from $91 billion in 2013 to $48 billion in 2024 - largely due to reduced US crude oil imports. Yet non-oil exports nearly doubled over the same period, climbing from $14 billion to $22 billion, with sectors like textiles, chemicals, aluminum, fertilizers, and electronics driving the growth. That progress is now under serious threat. Jordan is the most exposed, with nearly 25% of its total exports destined for the US. Bahrain, heavily reliant on aluminum and chemical exports to the American market, is also flagged for heightened risk, said the report. Meanwhile, the UAE too faces disruptions to an estimated $10 billion in US-bound re-exports due to tariffs levied on goods originating from third countries. ESCWA also pointed out that GCC economies are facing a recent sharp drop in global oil prices, which is further straining fiscal revenues and testing the resilience of Gulf economies reliant on hydrocarbon exports. The financial implications are also significant, it stated in the report. ESCWA estimates that Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Tunisia will pay $114 million more in sovereign interest payments in 2025 due to rising bond yields linked to global investor uncertainty. This increase in borrowing costs threatens to constrain national budgets and delay development spending. On the demand side, reduced imports from major global partners such as the European Union and China are likely to add pressure, it stated. The EU currently absorbs 72% of Tunisia's exports and 68% of Morocco's, while China imports 22% of GCC oil and chemical exports. "Despite the pressures, there is an opportunity here to accelerate structural reforms and deepen resilience," remarked ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti. "The region is at a strategic inflection point," she added. Despite the headwinds, ESCWA highlights potential opportunities for trade diversion. Egypt and Morocco could gain US market share as higher tariffs on Chinese and Indian goods make Arab exports more competitive - although the recent 90-day tariff pause (excluding China) may limit the scale of that effect. To navigate the crisis, ESCWA in its brief has urged Arab countries to accelerate regional integration. It recommends advancing the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area, implementing the GCC Customs Union, and expanding cooperation under the Agadir Agreement.
Iraqi News
25-02-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
PM Al-Sudani Meets UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA
Baghdad-INA Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Tuesday, with the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Ms. Rola Dashti. The Media Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement, received by The Iraqi News Agency-INA that 'The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Iraq and ESCWA to advance shared efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions also covered support for Iraq's financial and economic reform programs, particularly in key economic and social priority areas'. The statement added," Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing poverty and unemployment, improving service delivery, and achieving tangible developmental progress. He emphasized the importance of fostering investments, enhancing government administration, and advancing performance measurement systems across all sectors". The statement further stated, "The Prime Minister also highlighted the pivotal role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in driving sustainable development. He underscored the need for collaboration with international organizations to harness these technologies in support of Iraq's economic reform efforts".
