Sharjah 24: Experts and leaders from the labour market and government departments advised the need for using accurate data in studying unemployment and meeting country-wise targets at a panel titled ‘Overcoming Unemployment with a Click’ during the inaugural edition of the Regional Data and Community Development Forum (DCDF) being held in Sharjah, on October 9 - 10.
The distinguished speakers included Mamusu Patricia Komeh-Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Sierra Leone; Rafael Diez de Medina, Director, Department of Statistics and Chief Statistician at the International Labour Office; and Mohamed Al Alawi, Acting Economic Affairs Executive Director, Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. The session was moderated by Dr. Magued Osman, former Minister of Communications and Information Technology; CEO and Managing Director of Egyptian Center for Public Opinion Research (Baseera).
UAE takes a data-driven approach to reach 170000 Emiratis in its private sector by 2026
Offering a glimpse into the Emiratisation process that saw youth of the UAE take up more and more jobs in the private sector, Al Alawi explained that the Nafis platform created an ecosystem to help nationals actively looking for jobs in the private sector. From 29000 nationals in the labour force in the private sector in 2021, it has risen to 114000 now. “We are targeting 170000 in the private sector by 2026. For this, we have had to change the attitudes of students encouraging them to join the private sector. Apart from getting more companies to hire them, we have had to convince parents and society that the private sector is the future. We have created an Excellence Award for nationals working in the private sector and the UAE President personally met the award winners and spoke to them of the country’s commitment in job creation,” explained the official.
As a parting advice, Al Alawi said that a unifying registry or platform, policies that are agile and supported by data, and listening to all sectors of the economy to change challenges to opportunity will go a long way in employment generation. According to the Emirati official, the UAE experience can be an example for other GCC countries to follow.
Sierra Leone’s experience: Real-time market data is crucial for inclusive job creation
Mamusa Massaquoi described her country Sierra Leone as among the youngest countries in the world, with an estimated 80% of the population under the age of 34. “The transition from school to work requires strong political will. One of the game changers is the Youth Employment Support Project Scheme, a Presidential initiative to create 500,000 jobs in five years. This is done with the help of the World Bank to address the high youth unemployment by improving job-relevant skills, job opportunities and financial support for entrepreneurship. The National Youth Service engages in community development across the country helping participants gain work experience and build networks, preparing them for future careers.” The Minister said real-time market data is crucial while taking care not to leave anyone behind. “We cannot walk in silos, but should adopt policy reforms and public engagement,” she concluded.
Rafael Diez de Medina, whose vast experience and knowledge of ground situations as an ILO official was evident in his interactions, pointed out that “labour markets are diverse and cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach”. Monitoring trends and forecasts or choosing from myriad indicators are crucial in fulfilling responsibilities to citizens. AI-driven models can help in predicting employment trends; mobile and internet search can show job search patterns while big data can help in localising employment, Medina observed.
Organised by Sharjah’s Department of Statistics and Community Development, DCDF 2024 marks a first for the region, as it brings together experts to highlight the power that data has in turning sustainable social development plans into tangible realities. Over the course of two days, the forum will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, economists, business community members, and representatives from regional and global statistical data centres.
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