MWC25 Doha: UN Envoy for Sustainable Development to QNA: Investing in AI Urgent Necessity for Human Development

Doha, November 26 (QNA) - UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda Mahmoud Mohieldin emphasized that the MWC25 Doha conference opened the door to discussion on the most important challenges facing humanity today, namely the artificial intelligence sector and investment in it, which is no longer a luxury but an urgent necessity.
In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Mohieldin underscored that investing in AI is no longer an option for humanity, but a necessity that makes the difference between progress and backwardness, similar to what happened with the industrial revolutions since the late 18th century. He noted that countries that prepared well for those revolutions were able to achieve economic and social leaps over the past two centuries, especially since the world today stands at a crossroads with the rise of AI technologies.
He stressed that countries that enhance their readiness will reap significant gains, including increased competitiveness, efficiency, and productivity, enabling companies to develop their products and expand into new markets, as well as creating job opportunities in sectors related to digital transformation. Conversely, workers who do not receive sufficient investment in education and training, especially in sectors unprepared for this change, will be affected. He emphasized the importance of investing in people, enhancing education and training, and updating skills, especially since technology is no longer an independent sector but rather "crosses all sectors," from industry and agriculture to services and the details of daily life, which is clearly evident in the exhibition pavilions held in Doha.
He also pointed out the need to invest in digital and technological infrastructure to be added to the traditional infrastructure of roads, bridges and airports, as countries need a strong digital infrastructure that supports efficiency and drives research and development. He addressed the importance of developing labor market flexibility to keep pace with changes, strengthening labor policies, governance and oversight of the ethical use of technology, and establishing frameworks to protect workers through social security and unemployment insurance systems.
The UN official addressed the reality of digital transformation in the region, saying that international indicators, such as those of universities and global institutions, including Stanford University and the International Monetary Fund, show the level of readiness of countries for digital transformation and AI. He noted that the GCC countries, Jordan, Morocco and Egypt are on the map of this readiness.
In this context, he pointed out the widening gap in digital transformation within the Arab region and the need to strengthen regional cooperation, following the model of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He indicated that some countries have outstanding human resources, others have financial capabilities, and still others have advanced policies, which can be utilized through partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society to achieve greater returns.
Concluding his statements to QNA, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda Mahmoud Mohieldin praised the State of Qatar for hosting the most important conferences specializing in modern technology. He noted that Qatar's role has gone beyond simply hosting events, highlighting the clear progress it has made in digital transformation and diversifying the economy into sectors far removed from gas and oil. He also commended its policies aimed at developing human capital and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, particularly as these factors contribute significantly to achieving sustainability and a green transformation. (QNA)