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The Arab Federation for the Digital Economy held a high-level meeting with the leadership of the World Bank, during which they discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of digital transformation and sustainable development in the Arab world.
The Union delegation during the meeting was headed by Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khoury, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity, President of the Union, and on the part of the World Bank, Paul Numba M, Regional Director for Infrastructure for the Middle East and North Africa, and Samia Melhem, Senior Expert in the Global Practice Sector for Digital Capabilities, Infrastructure, and Public Sector Partnerships. Al Khass and Sylvia Solve, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Region at the World Bank, and Audrey Aris, Digital Development Officer at the World Bank, along with Richard Kirby, Advisor to the Arab Federation for the Digital Economy for International Affairs.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Ali Al-Khoury stressed the essential role of digital transformation in supporting economic growth and achieving sustainable development goals in the Arab region.
He pointed out the importance of focusing international indicators and reports on the availability and readiness of digital infrastructure and its ability to benefit from advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, to advance economic and social development.
He stressed the Arab Federation for the Digital Economy’s efforts to strengthen technical partnerships with international institutions, especially the World Bank, to benefit from expertise and implement joint projects that contribute to accelerating digital transformation in the region.
During the meeting, attendees discussed a number of important initiatives led by the Union, most notably the “Arab Vision for the Digital Economy 2026-2030,” which aims to support digital transformation and innovation in all Arab economic sectors, and the “Arab Digital Economy Index,” which is a tool for measuring digital progress. In the Arab countries, and strengthening the ability of the countries of the region to achieve their development goals.
Al-Khoury noted the important role that the World Bank can play in the international committee to follow up on updating the Arab vision for the digital economy, which was announced at the meetings of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).UNDP) last Wednesday and said that technical cooperation with international bodies, especially the World Bank, will contribute to achieving qualitative leaps in sustainable economic development in Arab countries.
The meeting also focused on several key areas that cooperation between the Arab Federation for the Digital Economy and the World Bank could contribute to developing, including innovation and entrepreneurship, digital education, digital infrastructure development, and enhancing financial inclusion, in addition to examining how to support entrepreneurs and emerging companies in the Arab world through Develop a strong digital infrastructure and provide a regulatory environment conducive to growth and sustainability.
The importance of promoting digital education was highlighted through the Arab Platform for Education and Training initiative Edu4Arab.org Led by the Arab Federation for the Digital Economy.
World Bank representatives stressed that digital education is necessary to empower Arab youth and prepare them for the digital labor market of the future.
The attendees discussed ways to improve the digital infrastructure in Arab countries to accelerate the pace of digital transformation, expand access to the Internet and data, and ways to enhance financial inclusion through technological solutions, such as developing payment systems and digital transfers, which can empower local communities deprived of services, especially in poor areas.
During the meeting, the two sides also touched on the importance of cooperation in the fields of joint research and studies, and stressed that this cooperation will contribute to providing in-depth insights and accurate analyzes on the challenges and opportunities to confront digital challenges and economic development on scientific grounds.
In appreciation of the role of the United Arab Emirates and its Arab vision, the World Bank team praised the pioneering role of the UAE in advancing digital transformation in the Arab world.
The team praised the Arab vision for the digital economy as an important step towards building integrated and sustainable digital economies in the region and presented its next initiative to conduct an assessment of future skills gaps for the Middle East and North Africa region, noting that innovation in education, trade and digital technology can contribute to creating a qualitative shift in Economies of Arab countries.
The two sides noted the need to intensify efforts to promote sustainable development through digital transformation in the Arab world and stressed that technical expertise and international cooperation will be essential to support the Arab vision for the digital economy and provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing the region.
At the end of the meeting, a shield of appreciation was presented from the Union to the World Bank in recognition of the efforts of its team of experts in reviewing the Arab vision document for the digital economy, which was approved at the Arab Leaders Summit held in Algeria in 2022.
