An Unprecedented Initiative Supported By the United Arab Emirates
“A common vision for Arab Digital Economy” is the bold plan driven by the Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU) at the League of Arab States to boost political and social stability in the Arab World through Digital Economy.
Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity, said that the initiative received the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces. The plan aims at digital inclusion, knowledge-based legislative and technology infrastructure, and public and private frameworks that will boost security, welfare, and prosperity for the Arab societies.
The UAE’s support for the common Arab vision will promote joint Arab action. Al-Khouri stressed the importance of technology as a tool to achieve sustainable development and economic growth rates through the creation of investment opportunities, employment, and the opening of new markets.
The UAE is renowned for its knowledge-based approach and youth empowerment. The UAE has been fostering several initiatives for skills development like the one million Arab coders project. The e-learning platform offers over 50 million Arab students worldwide access to education, among other projects that support sustainable development for Arab societies.
The Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU) is the execution arm for the plan. EU delegation met with Mourad Wahba, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administration and Regional Director for the Arab States at UNDP, and senior officials from the United Nation’s Division for public institutions & Digital Government. Al-Khouri noted that the investments directed towards the Arab regions by UNDP are one Billion US Dollars.
“This initiative will be the foundation to promote the social and economic security for the Arab societies. That is why it is important to cooperate with international organizations and bring together Arab and International thinkers and practitioners to develop the strategy. Such involvement will ensure global influence and introduction”, stated Al-Khouri.
“This is a new model for developing Arab world’s economies to tackle global challenges. The UAE is putting its expertise to use to boost sustainable development in the Arab states”, Al-Khouri concluded.
The strategy will be presented at an international conference hosted in AbuDhabi on 16 & 17 December 2018. The outputs will be presented to the Arab Leaders at the Arab Summit scheduled in March 2019 in Tunisia.
The World Bank noted the importance of the strategy in paving the way for inclusive economic development opportunities in the Arab world. UN, UNDP, and the World Bank support the initiative and CAEU for its work for comprehensive development and enhancement of cooperation between the Arab states.
