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Investing in the Future: The Role of Human Capital in Enabling Just Energy Transitions in the Arab Region

ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL1.CCS/2024/2


Country: People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Kingdom of Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, State of Libya, Kingdom of Morocco, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Publication Type: Flagship publications

Cluster: Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability

Focus Area: 2030 Agenda, Climate change, Natural resource sustainability

Initiatives: Monitoring Sustainable Development Goal Data, Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, Climate Resilience through Regional Cooperation, Arab Centre for Climate Change Policies

SDGs: Agenda 2030, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 13: Climate Action

Keywords: Climate change, Economic growth, Energy efficiency, Energy policy, Energy resources, Fossil fuels, Gas fuels, Gas reserves, Human resources, Macroeconomics, Natural resources, Population dynamics, Skilled workers, Skills development, Sustainable energy, Youth employment, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi arabia, United arab emirates

Investing in the Future: The Role of Human Capital in Enabling Just Energy Transitions in the Arab Region

February 2025

Energy transitions constitute a transformation of global energy systems based on sustainable use of our planet’s finite resources. This transformation extends beyond technological advancements and policy frameworks – it calls for concerted investment in human capital, the most precious resource in any nation’s developmental process.

Grounded in international commitments such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement, this report advocates for strategic actions from countries in the Arab region that embrace the human side of energy transitions. The report examines the pivotal role of human capital in driving just, inclusive and sustainable energy transitions. It highlights key themes including employment, economic diversification, youth engagement, skills development, education reform and innovative financing, offering a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges the region is facing and the essential role human capital plays. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, focus groups and case studies, this report provides actionable insights into addressing skills gaps, fostering innovation, and enabling equitable access to the benefits of energy transitions.

By showcasing best practices and practical recommendations, this publication aims to inform policymakers, academics, industry leaders and young people on the essential role of human capital in enabling and accelerating energy transitions, contributing to the Arab region’s efforts to meet its economic and environmental goals while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the global transition to sustainable energy.

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2030 Agenda , Climate change , Natural resource sustainability ,
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