Latest news with #UNDP
Asharq Al-Awsat
12 hours ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syria Announces 200 Percent Public Sector Wage, Pension Increase
Syria announced on Sunday a 200 percent hike in public sector wages and pensions, as it seeks to address a grinding economic crisis after the recent easing of international sanctions. Over a decade of civil war has taken a heavy toll on Syria's economy, with the United Nations reporting more than 90 percent of its people live in poverty. In a decree published by state media, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a "200 percent increase to salaries and wages... for all civilian and military workers in public ministries, departments and institutions.' Under the decree, the minimum wage for government employees was raised to 750,000 Syrian pounds per month, or around $75, up from around $25, AFP reported. A separate decree granted the same 200 percent increase to retirement pensions included under current social insurance legislation. Last month, the United States and European Union announced they would lift economic sanctions in a bid to help the country's recovery. Also in May, Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh said Qatar would help it pay some public sector salaries. The extendable arrangement was for $29 million a month for three months, and would cover "wages in the health, education and social affairs sectors and non-military" pensions, he had said. Barnieh had said the grant would be managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and covered around a fifth of current wages and salaries. Syria has some 1.25 million public sector workers, according to official figures.
LBCI
a day ago
- Business
- LBCI
No jobs, no future: Lebanon's youth work multiple jobs—or leave
Report by Mirna Daou, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Young people in Lebanon are struggling to find work, with many left with no choice but to emigrate or remain unemployed. Official figures indicate that the unemployment rate in Lebanon exceeded 35% in 2023 and 2024, with youth unemployment—among those aged 15 to 24—comprising a significant portion of that figure. But why is age 15 included in unemployment statistics? According to the International Labour Organization, anyone between the ages of 15 and 24 who is neither in school, working, nor receiving vocational training is considered unemployed—and therefore counted in the unemployment rate. An increase in this category often signals deeper social and economic crises, such as a weak labor market, a failing education system, or broader social instability. UNICEF reports that one-third of Lebanese youth have dropped out of university, and 31% of those who left school are neither working nor training. Among those who do find work, 40% are forced to hold two or three jobs just to make ends meet, according to the UNDP. For many, emigration has become the only option. According to Information International, approximately 640,000 Lebanese emigrated between 2016 and 2024—70% of whom were university graduates. These are the skilled professionals Lebanon invested in—those meant to build the country's future. So far, there are no signs of improvement from authorities, especially as the government continues to delay the reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These reforms are considered essential for attracting investment, creating jobs, and providing young people with a reason to stay.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Strengthening the global fight against corruption: G20 ACWG meets in Brazil
Brazil's Minister of State for the Office of the Comptroller-General, His Excellency Vinícius Marques de Carvalho, delivered the keynote address, stressing the significance of inclusive approaches in anti-corruption efforts. He underscored the complex nature of corruption, requiring diverse perspectives and expertise. Carvalho called for a multi-agency strategy, urging the involvement of civil society, academia, and the private sector in shaping effective anti-corruption policies. At the heart of the meeting were the discussions of the draft G20 High-Level Principles on the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets. These draft principles aim to provide a framework for G20 countries to manage seized assets, closing gaps identified by the ACWG to strengthen asset recovery. The group also considered the Zero Draft Ministerial Declaration, encapsulating the commitment of G20 countries to address corruption through prevention. This draft will be presented for adoption at the ACWG Ministerial Meeting to be held in Mpumalanga in October 2025. In addition to the main sessions, a side event — co-hosted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) — was held on measuring integrity in public procurement, exploring challenges in quantifying corruption, and the need for evidence-based methodologies. The UNDP announced that it was establishing a framework for measuring integrity, collecting data from 60 countries by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to provide objective tools to gauge the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Another side event — co-hosted by EL PACTO 2.0, a partnership with the EU focused on justice and security — was held to address the preventive dimension in the fight against corruption and new forms of organised crime. The G20 ACWG and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Working Group on Bribery held a joint meeting aimed at supporting the shared commitment to combatting the bribery of foreign public officials in international transactions. The second G20 ACWG meeting provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange views, share experiences, and deepen understanding of the evolving challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption through the lens of the SA presidency's theme of 'Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability'. The ACWG acknowledged that there remained considerable work ahead to fully realise the deliverables committed to at the start of the year, including timely responses to the questionnaires, substantive inputs towards the draft Ministerial Declaration, and the High-Level Principles on the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets. Through these efforts, the G20 ACWG seeks to instil confidence in its commitment to combatting corruption and promoting sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for all. As SA and Brazil lead this charge, the hope is that the momentum generated from this meeting will translate into tangible actions that resonate beyond borders, creating a global environment where corruption has no place.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Future Skills Academy records wide interaction and creates tangible knowledge impact in its first phase
As part of its commitment to empowering 10 million Arab learners with job market skills by 2030 The Future Skills Academy, one of the pioneering initiatives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Coursera, has recorded significant engagement and promising results in its first phase. This marks a strong start towards its mission to empower Arab learners with future-ready job market skills. The wide interaction received by the academy in its first phase underscores the growing demand for individuals to develop digital and vocational skills in the Arab world. As part of its ambitious goal, the academy aims to enable 10 million learners in the Arab region to acquire the most in-demand job market skills by 2030, targeting 25,000 learners in 2025. It offers curated courses in high-demand fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship, in addition to developing transferable skills. Within one month of its launch, the academy witnessed a surge of interest from thousands of learners across various Arab countries. Learners completed 4,721 courses, viewed more than 191,419 educational videos, read more than 126,136 educational materials, and completed over 108,568 assessments, totaling 45,385 hours of effective learning. Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States (UNDP), said: 'According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 59% of the global workforce, including Arab graduates, young people, women, and marginalized groups, will require training and skills development within the next five years. With 39% of basic job market skills projected to change by 2030, the necessity to strengthen educational and vocational reskilling programs to prepare future generations for the changing requirements within the labor market is critical.' He continued: 'The Future Skills Academy is a strategic response to these shifting dynamics in the Arab region. By empowering 10 million Arab learners, including young graduates, with future skills by 2030, our academy contributes to economic recovery, enhances prosperity, and supports sustainable development through inclusive, future-focused education. With a focus on continuous learning, we seek to bridge basic skills gaps and unlock the potential of Arab talent to lead innovation.' Al Dardari also added: 'This academy not only develops skills but also enhances the competitiveness and strength of the workforce and economies in Arab countries.' His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: 'The strong response to the academy reflects the Arab world's growing commitment to acquiring digital and professional skills as well as lifelong learning. It also underscores learners' passion and interests to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for their countries, foster sustainable development and advance a competitive, knowledge-based economy.' H.E. added: 'At MBRF, we believe that cultivating talent is the cornerstone of both intellectual and socio-economic progress. Through this initiative, we seek to empower 10 million Arabs by 2030, inspired by our wise leadership's vision to prioritize human development and knowledge advancement. In collaboration with our strategic partners, we reaffirm our commitment to empower as many young talents across the Arab world as possible, equipping them to compete and lead in the knowledge economy and sustainable development across all sectors.' Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said: 'As industries transform rapidly under the influence of technology, access to high-quality, market-aligned education is more essential than ever. The Future Skills Academy opens doors for thousands of Arab learners to gain practical, in-demand skills, supporting personal and professional growth as well as regional economic development. We are proud to partner with UNDP and MBRF on this impactful mission.' The academy builds on the earlier FutureSkills4All program, which enabled 10,000 learners to complete 15,000 training programs, totaling 114,000 hours of learning. With this new phase, MBRF and UNDP aim to deepen their impact and foster knowledge sustainability across the Arab world. The Future Skills Academy offers flexible digital learning through an advanced electronic library featuring content and programs from leading global universities and institutions. Looking ahead, the academy plans to expand its strategic partnerships, further enhance content quality and broaden access for diverse communities.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Future Skills Academy records wide interaction and creates tangible knowledge impact in its first phase
Dubai, UAE - The Future Skills Academy, one of the pioneering initiatives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Coursera, has recorded significant engagement and promising results in its first phase. This marks a strong start towards its mission to empower Arab learners with future-ready job market skills. The wide interaction received by the academy in its first phase underscores the growing demand for individuals to develop digital and vocational skills in the Arab world. As part of its ambitious goal, the academy aims to enable 10 million learners in the Arab region to acquire the most in-demand job market skills by 2030, targeting 25,000 learners in 2025. It offers curated courses in high-demand fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship, in addition to developing transferable skills. Within one month of its launch, the academy witnessed a surge of interest from thousands of learners across various Arab countries. Learners completed 4,721 courses, viewed more than 191,419 educational videos, read more than 126,136 educational materials, and completed over 108,568 assessments, totaling 45,385 hours of effective learning. Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States (UNDP), said: 'According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 59% of the global workforce, including Arab graduates, young people, women, and marginalized groups, will require training and skills development within the next five years. With 39% of basic job market skills projected to change by 2030, the necessity to strengthen educational and vocational reskilling programs to prepare future generations for the changing requirements within the labor market is critical.' He continued: 'The Future Skills Academy is a strategic response to these shifting dynamics in the Arab region. By empowering 10 million Arab learners, including young graduates, with future skills by 2030, our academy contributes to economic recovery, enhances prosperity, and supports sustainable development through inclusive, future-focused education. With a focus on continuous learning, we seek to bridge basic skills gaps and unlock the potential of Arab talent to lead innovation.' Al Dardari also added: 'This academy not only develops skills but also enhances the competitiveness and strength of the workforce and economies in Arab countries.' His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: 'The strong response to the academy reflects the Arab world's growing commitment to acquiring digital and professional skills as well as lifelong learning. It also underscores learners' passion and interests to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for their countries, foster sustainable development and advance a competitive, knowledge-based economy.' H.E. added: 'At MBRF, we believe that cultivating talent is the cornerstone of both intellectual and socio-economic progress. Through this initiative, we seek to empower 10 million Arabs by 2030, inspired by our wise leadership's vision to prioritize human development and knowledge advancement. In collaboration with our strategic partners, we reaffirm our commitment to empower as many young talents across the Arab world as possible, equipping them to compete and lead in the knowledge economy and sustainable development across all sectors.' Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said: 'As industries transform rapidly under the influence of technology, access to high-quality, market-aligned education is more essential than ever. The Future Skills Academy opens doors for thousands of Arab learners to gain practical, in-demand skills, supporting personal and professional growth as well as regional economic development. We are proud to partner with UNDP and MBRF on this impactful mission.' The academy builds on the earlier FutureSkills4All program, which enabled 10,000 learners to complete 15,000 training programs, totaling 114,000 hours of learning. With this new phase, MBRF and UNDP aim to deepen their impact and foster knowledge sustainability across the Arab world. The Future Skills Academy offers flexible digital learning through an advanced electronic library featuring content and programs from leading global universities and institutions. Looking ahead, the academy plans to expand its strategic partnerships, further enhance content quality and broaden access for diverse communities. For more information about the Future Skills Academy and to register for upcoming cohorts, please visit the website:
