Statement by Ms. Rola Dashti
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCWA
WSA Global Congress, Connect 4 Impact
23 March 2021
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to open the Arab Region track of the "Connect for Impact" in this special virtual edition of the World Summit Award Global Congress 2021. The WSA board and working teams have certainly succeeded in converting the restrictive lockdown measures worldwide into an opportunity to virtually engage all countries in this special Congress.
Digital content and applications are the foundation of the knowledge society, and are much needed to support digital transformation, build forward better, and sustain development efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated the urgent need for digital technologies and processes in all countries, to enhance their resilience to crises and support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Today, innovative applications and platforms are crucial for sustaining public and private services, and facilitating daily interaction and communication. Creative mechanisms for providing vital services are essential to all people, including vulnerable groups, in both urban and rural areas, especially during lockdown. The pandemic and its associated crises have highlighted the importance of digital technologies to the continuity of daily activities.
For over 15 years, ESCWA has worked towards developing the information society in the Arab region, and was a pioneer in instigating digital Arabic content to create economic opportunities and preserve the Arabic language and cultures online. Providing content in Arabic is necessary to reach populations who do not speak other languages, to ensure inclusiveness. Online content on Arabic cultures must also be made available to non-Arabic speakers worldwide. The responsibility of developing digital Arabic content lies with all decision makers in Governments, universities, the private sector and NGOs, and with individuals and entrepreneurs who are designing and developing digital products and services.
In this context, I urge young innovators to take part in preserving the Arab identity online, and to create digital products for the knowledge economy in the Arab region. Digital Arabic content remains weak compared with other living languages, at less than 1 per cent of total global content.
ESCWA and the International Chamber of Commerce have launched a Centre of Entrepreneurship to inspire entrepreneurial innovation and improve the business environment for SMEs in the Arab region. The Centre is based in Beirut and will work with various stakeholders to digitize SMEs, connect local entrepreneurs to global markets, and enhance regulatory conditions for SMEs to thrive. From developing the skills of young people to mentoring local startups and entrepreneurs, the Centre is devoted to improving the livelihoods of citizens in Lebanon and the Arab region. ESCWA will also launch an interactive platform to support innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in the Arab region.
I am also pleased to announce a partnership between ESCWA and WSA on the Digital Arabic Content Award, which will bring about innovative digital solutions and content for the Arab region in support of the SDGs. The first cycle of this award will be launched in a few days, at the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development. The ESCWA team is looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with WSA on this award.
I wish you all a successful and vibrant event.
Thank you.
