Eskua calls for ensuring that artificial intelligence becomes an engine for sustainable development in the Arab region

This came in a new report issued by Eskua entitled “Any future for the Arab region in the time of artificial intelligence,” Which reviews the transformative role of this technology and its capabilities in re -drawing the features of development, governance and economic growth, as well as its extensive effects on the region until 2040.

Unprecedented developments and challenges

Today, the world is witnessing an unprecedented boom in the development of artificial intelligence, accompanied by many complex challenges that require urgent attention. Ethical dilemmas, data governance fears, algorithm prejudice, and the risk of exacerbation of existing inequality are all intense with the development of artificial intelligence techniques. ESCWA said that these risks confirm the urgent need for strong organizational frameworks and setting comprehensive policies to ensure that the development of artificial intelligence remains fair and responsible.

According to ESCWA, since 2022 the Arab region has continued to enhance its capabilities in this field, bypassing the rates of mobile phones and the Internet itself. Despite expectations to displace about 83 million jobs globally as a result of artificial intelligence, it is also expected that this field will create 69 million new jobs.

Restructuring of the labor market

The report indicated that artificial intelligence radically changing the labor market; The skills gap remains the biggest obstacle to the transformation of companies, as 63% of employers consider that it represents the most prominent challenge between 2025 and 2030.

On the other hand, 85% of employers are planning to invest in raising the efficiency of their employees and developing their skills, while 70% of them intend to employ people who have new skills that are appropriate to the requirements of the future.

The ESCWA report emphasized that artificial intelligence is a major tool that pushes innovation and achieves sustainable development, and it is able to create a qualitative shift in vital sectors such as health, education, culture of cultural heritage, and public services.

He called for the alignment of artificial intelligence strategies with regional development priorities, enhancing artificial intelligence tools in the Arabic language to support cultural and linguistic identity, and accelerate progress towards achieving specific goals of sustainable development goals. Mrs. Dashti stressed that the report “It provides a practical road map to ensure that artificial intelligence becomes an engine for comprehensive, fair and sustainable development, in line with the aspirations and priorities of the region.”

Formulating artificial intelligence policies

The report called for developing and adopting a unified framework for artificial intelligence governance in the region, which addresses privacy, safety and moral concerns; And diversifying partnerships in the field of artificial intelligence, especially with the countries of the global south; And the establishment of a regional program to develop job skills by taking advantage of the tools of artificial intelligence; And promoting data exchange in the region through open source platforms to support innovation in artificial intelligence to achieve Sustainable development goals.

The report stressed the importance of adopting a proactive and multiple disciplinary approach when formulating artificial intelligence policies, and takes into account the long and multi -generational effects of this technological transformation.