Impact Of Ict On Arab Youth - Employment, Education And Social Change

Transcript

The Arab world has been characterized by rapid changes in the last few years. From economics to social life, ICTs have featured prominently in these developments. This study examines the underlying changes which have contributed to these shifts, identifies the key pivot points, and provides recommendations for maximizing the positive effects of ICT on the lives of Arab Youth. Among the key findings of this study, the impact of ICT on the global competitive landscape and the attendant impact on the labour market for youth show that ICTs have reduced the number of middle-class jobs, while creating more jobs at both the high-skill and low-skill edges of the spectrum. Software engineering and hardware maintenance are examples of this effect. In addition, this study finds that ICTs have catalyzed beneficial social changes, particularly for marginalized groups, such as persons living with HIV/AIDS and the hearing impaired. The recommendations of this study also include focus on the potential for positive impact of ICT on the educational system in the Arab Region, particularly in the areas of cognitive skills and enhancing the partnership between students, educators and employers.