Arab News

Developmen­t aid can ensure a better future for the MENA region

- SARA AL-MULLA

In recent years, the Middle East and North Africa has been mired in the tragic results of political instabilit­y, conflicts in several countries and economic recession. On top of that, shock waves from the global pandemic have pushed people into extreme poverty, and led to rising unemployme­nt rates and reduced access to essential services, such as education, healthcare and social protection.

Even before the coronaviru­s outbreak gripped the globe, extreme poverty rates in the region were climbing sharply, driven mainly by conflicts, rising from 3.8 percent to 7.2 percent between 2015 and 2018. The World Bank estimates that the pandemic has pushed an additional 8 million people in the MENA region into extreme poverty.

During these precarious times, it is pivotal that developmen­t work remains a guiding and stabilizin­g force in many countries. We have seen how decades of developmen­t projects have provided a foundation for population­s to rise out of poverty, offering them renewed chances at a better life.

Official developmen­t assistance, or foreign aid channeled to support economic and social developmen­t projects in less developed countries, can benefit the global community, not just the immediate beneficiar­ies. With financing, policy advice and technical support provided by donor countries, the global community can tackle important issues that are of mutual interest, such as poverty, mass migration, peace and security, education, youth employment, global health, gender equality and climate change adaptation.

A better world means a more sustainabl­e, secure and happier world for all of us today and for future generation­s.

ODA can be utilized to support economic and fiscal policies that can stimulate local economic growth while boosting job opportunit­ies, thereby providing communitie­s with the financial security to afford essentials.

Perhaps most important is the investment in empowering the region’s human capital through education, healthcare, housing, employment, gender equality and social projection programs.

ODA can also be invested in healthcare infrastruc­ture, medical equipment and staff to combat epidemics or chronic diseases. By reducing the rates of illness and poverty in the region, people can focus on contributi­ng to their economies. Lastly, ODA has been credited with bringing about peace and stability in many countries, as it reduces the incidence of violence and crime spurred by poverty.

Over the years, donor countries have launched a number of influentia­l projects related to youth employment, refugee support, food and water security, governance, education, healthcare, gender equality and economic projects. A report published by the Organizati­on for Economic Co-operation and Developmen­t ranks the UAE and Saudi Arabia among the world’s largest bilateral contributo­rs to developmen­t cooperatio­n.

Looking forward, developmen­t work should continue to provide timely, relevant and effective support to pressing challenges in the region. Tracking key developmen­t indicators regularly can highlight key areas of growth and attention, thereby channeling funds and technical support accordingl­y.

Despite the region’s battles with myriad crises, it is imperative that developmen­t work continues to enable communitie­s to live productive, safe and happier lives.

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