You are currently viewing ESCWA and AGFUND Renew Partnership to Expand Arab Digital Opportunities
The image used is for informational purposes only. Image Source: https://www.miragenews.com/

ESCWA and AGFUND Renew Partnership to Expand Arab Digital Opportunities

Prime Highlights-

  • ESCWA and AGFUND renew their partnership to advance digital transformation, e-commerce and entrepreneurship for MSMEs across the Arab region.
  • The renewed agreement aims to link entrepreneurs, especially women and young people, with digital skills, market access and job-creating opportunities.

Key Facts-

  • ESCWA and AGFUND sign the deal in Bangkok on sidelines of IMF and World Bank meetings.
  • ESCWA brings technical expertise while AGFUND contributes development and microfinance networks to support small businesses.

Background-

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) have renewed their partnership to boost digital transformation, e-commerce and entrepreneurship among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Arab region.

The two bodies signed a new cooperation agreement in Bangkok during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

The deal builds on several years of joint work to develop digital skills, widen market access and strengthen entrepreneurs and the institutions that support them. ESCWA and AGFUND will keep helping small businesses use technology, reach new markets and adapt to a growing digital economy.

The partnership pairs ESCWA’s technical expertise with AGFUND’s development and microfinance networks. Together, they aim to connect more entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and opportunities they need to grow, build resilience and support inclusive economic growth.

ESCWA Executive Secretary and UN Under-Secretary-General Rania Al-Mashat said the collaboration empowers entrepreneurs, advances innovation and expands economic opportunities. She added that the combined expertise helps MSMEs use digital tools to grow and create jobs, and that the agreement opens new learning, innovation and entrepreneurship paths for young people.

AGFUND President Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said investing in people turns skills and ambitions into lasting livelihoods. He said the partnership will help entrepreneurs, especially women and young people, turn digital skills into market access, stronger businesses and jobs.