DUBAI: The UAE participated in the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting that concluded in Fortaleza, Brazil on July 26, aimed at addressing the latest international labour market developments.
Speaking at the forum, Shaima Al Awadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communications and International Relations at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE), highlighted the important role of the G20 meeting as a platform that brings together influential leaders and decision-makers from around the world to discuss pressing issues in a rapidly developing world, especially in the world of labour.
She stressed the importance of cooperation among countries to accelerate technological advances and ensure efficiency and governance.
A major breakthrough
Al Audi further noted that the UAE has made great strides in investing in advanced technologies, “guided by the forward-looking vision of its wise leadership, which is focused on adopting cutting-edge technologies and leading the way in improving people’s lives and providing more streamlined and effective services, particularly in the areas of human resources and employment, leveraging technology to help establish a more integrated system.”
She shared the UAE’s unique approach and experience as an exemplary pioneer in the development and adoption of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to increase productivity and efficiency, foster innovation and encourage the use of advanced technologies in industrial systems and solutions, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in driving sustainable industrial development.
She highlighted that the UAE was ranked 12th globally in the 2023 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Rankings.
Digital Economy
The UAE aims to double the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 9.7 percent to 19.4 percent over the next decade, she revealed, adding: “The UAE is expected to spend $20 billion on digital technologies, including IT, communications, AI, IoT, blockchain and robotics, over the next three years.”
“Investment in the UAE’s financial technology sector reached $1.3 billion, an increase of 92 percent, driven by the country’s advanced digital infrastructure, as well as policies and systems that encourage investment in this vital sector,” Al Audi continued, highlighting the UAE’s labor market programs and initiatives designed to ensure optimal investment in technology and improve the well-being and quality of life for both employers and workers.
service
She highlighted the various digital services the Ministry of Human Resources offers to its clients, including the Wage Protection System (WPS), implemented in collaboration with the UAE Central Bank and benefiting 99 percent of the country’s private sector workers, as well as the Smart Inspection System and other technology-based programs and initiatives.
The UAE also participated in the Just Transition Leadership Forum, held as part of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting. The forum discussed measures to create job opportunities, improve working conditions to ensure social inclusion, and alleviate poverty by guaranteeing decent working conditions and equal pay for all. In addition, the event featured a cultural programme and discussions to explore ways to reduce the gender pay gap, promote diversity in the workplace, and harness technology as the best tool to improve the lives of all.