Seminars, Webinars, & High-level Events
Joint IMF-CEF-AFESD Seminar on Unlocking the Region’s Employment Potential in a Changing Global Economy: Challenges and the Path Forward
December 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday December 12, 2024
The IMF-Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (CEF) and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) co-organized a High-Level Event on ‘Unlocking the Region’s Employment Potential in a Changing Global Economy: Challenges and the Path Forward.’
The IMF-Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (CEF), in partnership with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), co-organized a high-level event titled " Unlocking the Region’s Employment Potential in a Changing Global Economy: Challenges and the Path Forward." This hybrid event convened policy makers and experts from global and regional financial institutions. The audience comprised representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society, international organizations, the press, and the diplomatic community. Ms. Amy Bell, from the Financial Times, moderated the event.
Mr. Paulo Drummond, Director of the CEF, opened the seminar, reiterating the IMF’s continued support to help MENA countries in achieving high and sustained growth amidst a changing global economy. The seminar started with brief presentations. Mr. Ocampo (Columbia University and former Minister of Finance of Colombia) presented a structuralist perspective on growth, focusing on the development of export sectors while emphasizing the coordination of macroeconomic policies and the financing of transformation strategies. Ms. Fazili (Roosevelt Institute and former Deputy Director of the National Economic Council) explored the strategic selection of advanced export sectors, including emerging opportunities in global supply chains, drawing insights from the U.S. experience. These presentations set the stage for an engaging panel discussion. Mr. Alhajraf (Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy and former Kuwaiti Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy) discussed the opportunities arising from the ongoing global energy transition. Mr. Nabi, (Economic Advisor at AFESD), underscored the critical need for long-term strategies to foster innovative entrepreneurship and develop relevant human capital. Messrs. Cherif and Hasanov (IMF) outlined the main features of a successful growth model tailored to the region that drives domestic innovation and high living standards.
Ms. Bell thanked the CEF and AFESD for co-organizing this timely event. She also thanked the presenters, panelists, and audience members for their insightful and lively discussions.
For more details about the seminar, please refer to the following links:
