The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), represented by Dr. Mohamed Jemni, Director of ICT, participated in the consultative meeting organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on August 24, 2026, to discuss the draft “National Digital Inclusion Policy Template for the Arab Region.”
Held via videoconference, the meeting provided an opportunity to present comments and recommendations on the Template’s overall structure and key components, with a view to adapting it to the national and local needs of Arab countries.
In his remarks, Dr. Jemni emphasized that digital inclusion is no longer limited to providing access to the Internet or digital devices. It is now closely linked to the right to education and knowledge, the development of digital skills, and the ability to make effective, safe, and equitable use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence. He highlighted the importance of giving education and digital skills development a central role in national digital inclusion policies, with particular attention to groups most vulnerable to digital exclusion, including persons with disabilities, people living in rural and remote areas, low-income households, and older people. He also stressed the need to enhance digital accessibility and promote universal design in digital services and platforms.
Dr. Jemni further underscored the importance of supporting digital content and services in Arabic, and strengthening the presence of the Arabic language in AI applications and emerging technologies; thereby helping Arab citizens benefit from digital transformation without linguistic or cultural barriers. He also emphasized that rapid developments in artificial intelligence require broadening the concept of digital inclusion to encompass inclusion in the age of artificial intelligence, by ensuring equitable access to these technologies, developing the necessary skills, and working to ensure that technological progress does not deepen disparities among countries or social groups.
ALECSO’s participation in the meeting forms part of its ongoing efforts to support inclusive digital transformation across Arab countries and strengthen cooperation with regional and international organizations in developing policies and initiatives that contribute to building more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable digital societies.
