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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20241119T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20241121T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T231036
CREATED:20240905T082328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241121T124421Z
UID:10000038-1732006800-1732208400@knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org
SUMMARY:Joint Session of the Intergovernmental Committees of Senior Officials and Experts for North and West Africa 2024 (On Invitation)
DESCRIPTION:Theme of the meeting: \nThe theme of the thirty-ninth meeting of Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for North and twenty-seventh meeting for West Africa will focus “Accelerating AfCFTA Implementation in North and West Africa through digital transformation and economic diversification”. \nThe theme is not only topical\, but it is also timely given that the African Union theme for the year 2023: “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation”. It is also closely related to “digital connectivity”\, one of the Six Transitions\, catalytic entry-points to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. \nThe theme is also relevant given the challenges related to health\, economic\, social\, food insecurity and geo-political conditions in the two subregions and over the past 5 years.  Globally\, countries showed resilience in combating the COVID 19 crisis  and this  focus evolved into post-pandemic economic recovery\, including finding solutions to food insecurity inflicted by geopolitical conflicts and climate change. \nObjectives of the meeting: \nThe main objective of the meeting is to discuss and draw action-oriented policies for utilizing digital transformation and diversification to accelerate the implementation of AfCFTA. \nThe meeting will also discuss the results achieved and the future work programme of the two Subregional Offices\, review the subregions’ economic situation and prospects and identify actions needed\, as relevant to the development priorities of the North and West African countries\, to accelerate the path towards achieving the SDGs. \nDate & Time: November 19\, 2024 at 9:00 am (GMT+1)\nFormat: Hybrid\nInterpretation: Arabic\, French and English \n \n \nICSOE 2024 Concept Note\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 368 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 348 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 232 Kb \n\n\n\n \n\nICSOE 2024 Agenda\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 215 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 150 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 126 Kb \n\n\n \nICSOE 2024 Programme of Work\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 459 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 248 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 210 Kb \n\n\n \nRegional Profile 2024 – North Africa\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 582 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 573 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 385 Kb \n\n\n \nSDGs Report 2024 – North Africa\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 706 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 614 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 442 Kb \n\n\n \nActivities Report 2024 – North Africa\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 331 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 260 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 288 Kb \n\n\n \nSocioeconomic Profile 2024 – West Africa\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 541 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 480 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 443 Kb \n\n\n \nSDGs Report 2024 – West Africa\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 564 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 549 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 425 Kb \n\n\n \nActivities Report 2024 – West Africa\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 416 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 485 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 345 Kb \n\n\n\n \n\nPresentations\n\n\n \n   01-Amandine-SRO-NA-Subregional-Profile  \n \n   02-Fabien-SRO-WA-Subregional-Profile  \n \n   03-Samia-Hamouda-SRO-NA-SDG  \n \n   04-Mamoudo-SRO-WA-SDG  \n \n   05-Adam-Elhiraika-SRO-NA-Activities-Report  \n \n   06-Ngone-Diop-SRO-WA-Activities-Report  \n \n   07-Daya-Bragante-SPORD  \n \n   08-Khaled-Hussein-SRO-NA  \n \n   09-Charles-Akol-ECA.pdf  \n \n\n\nOpening statements\n \nDay 2\n \nDay 3
URL:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/joint-session-of-the-intergovernmental-committees-of-senior-officials-and-experts-for-north-and-west-africa-2024-on-invitation/
LOCATION:Hotel Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses\, Avenue Imam Malek\, Impasse\, Rabat 10000\, Morocco
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ICSOE-2024-scaled.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Khaled Hussein (North Africa)":MAILTO:hussein44@un.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20241119T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20241120T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T231036
CREATED:20241018T122448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241127T090540Z
UID:10000039-1732024800-1732105800@knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org
SUMMARY:Expert Group Meeting "Harnessing the Potential of the AfCFTA: The Catalytic Role of Economic Diversification and Innovative Digital Technology"
DESCRIPTION:Objective: \nThe aim of the meeting is to contribute to the promotion of African continental integration and to improve the positioning of the economies of North and West Africa within the process of building a single market. The meeting will leverage ongoing digital advancements to promote economic diversification.\n \nExpected Outcome: \nThe meeting will provide countries from both sub-regions an opportunity to review their regional and continental integration policies and align their trade strategies with the objectives of greater economic diversification\, benefiting from ongoing digital transformation.\n \nThe workshop will enhance the knowledge of member countries regarding the continental integration project by offering a space for informed dialogue and exchange on the aspects of digital transformation and economic diversification.\n \nDate & Time: November 19\, 2024 at 2:00 pm (GMT+1)\nFormat: Hybrid\nInterpretation: Arabic\, French and English\nThis event was live streamed on   \nDay 1\n \nDay 2\n \n \n\n \n\nConcept Note\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 218 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 261 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 251 Kb \n\n\n\n \n\nPrograme of Work\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 310 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 248 Kb \n\n\n\n \n\nPresentations\n\n\n \n   01 – Zakaria Laghzaoui (AfCFTA)  \n \n   02 – Amadou Diouf – SRO-WA  \n \n   03 – Aziz Jaid – SRO-NA  \n \n   04 – Mahlet Girma – ATPC  \n \n   05 – Mactar – ECA  \n \n   06 – Adel Ben Youssef  \n \n   07 – Zakaria Fahim  \n \n   08 – Abdoulaye Seck  \n \n   09 – Isiyaka Sabo  \n \n   10 – Taqui Ismail – Islamic Trade Development  \n \n   11 – EGM Recommendations  \n \n\n\n \nSpeakers\n \n\n \nNgone Diop\, is the Director of UNECA’s Subregional Office for West Africa. With over 20 years of experience\, she is an expert in economics\, policy development\, gender equality\, and poverty reduction. She leads initiatives on demographic dynamics\, economic transformation through AfCFTA\, regional integration\, and the empowerment of women and youth. Previously\, she held senior roles at UNDP – NY  and ECA – Addis\, served as an advisor to the Government of Rwanda for DFID – UK\, and was a Regional Technical Advisor for the World Bank. She was also lecture in economics in Senegal. \n\n \n\n \nAdam B. Elhiraika (PhD)\, is the Director of UNECA’s Subregional Office for North Africa. He previously served as Director of Macroeconomics and Governance Division and Macroeconomic Policy Division of ECA\, and Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sudan (2020-2022) on leave from the UN. Before joining ECA in 2004\, he was a Research Economist at the Islamic Development Bank and Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at several universities. He published extensively in internationally refereed journals\, books and reports. \n\n \n\n \nMahlet Girma Bekele\, is a trade expert at the African Trade Policy Centre within UNECA in Addis Ababa. She previously served as Project Manager for the EU-TAF at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra and has worked as a trade analyst with UNECA\, a supply chain specialist with WFP\, and a program manager at GIZ in Ethiopia. Her expertise spans regional integration\, trade\, transport\, and program management. Mahlet holds master’s degrees in Economics (Maritime Affairs) and Social Development. \n\n \n\n \nSelasi Koffi Ackom\, holds degrees in Banking\, Finance\, and Economics\, along with diplomas in Freight Forwarding and Business Law. Since 2016\, he has been the CEO of the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) while running Rescue Shipping and Investment Agency. He spearheaded initiatives on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)\, including founding the GITFiC-AfCFTA Tertiary Students Club. In 2021\, he co-authored Actualizing the African Economic Vision. Selasi Koffi Ackom is also a political activist and leads the Global Debt Initiative. \n\n \n\n \nAbdoulaye Seck (PhD)\, is Professor of Economics at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. His academic publications focus largely on international trade\, particularly issues related to regional integration\, trade facilitation\, and the performance of the African private sector in export markets. As a regional consultant\, he has developed implementation strategies for the AfCFTA at national level (Côte d’Ivoire\, Guinea\, Burkina Faso\, and Cabo Verde) and regional level (ECOWAS and WAEMU)\, and recently the strategy for promoting value chains in West Africa within the AfCFTA’s framework. \n\n \n\n \nIsiyaka Sabo\, is a Regional Team Leader Inclusive Growth in UNDP Regional Service Center for Africa – Addis. He was Senior Economist in five UNDP COs. He served as Economist with IMF in Niger\, Macroeconomist at the West AfDB and Director of Economic Reforms and Financial Studies at the Ministry of Economy and Finances in Niger. He has written and coordinated several papers and is a Statistical Engineer and holds a master’s degree in Economic Policy Management. He is certified in Economic Development Policies from the IERPA – Japan. \n\n \n\n \nMactar Seck (PhD)\,  is Chief of Emerging Frontiers Technology\, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section\, ECA and coordinator of ECA’s Digital Centre of Excellence on Digital ID\, Trade and Economy. Mactar Seck is a leader in telecommunications\, ICT4D\, digital inclusion\, and gender mainstreaming with over two decades of experience. Renowned for his expertise in digital policy\, financial inclusion\, and Internet governance\, he plays a key role in Africa’s digital transformation\, contributing to global initiatives like WSIS\, GDC\, and AU Agenda 2063.. \n\n \n\n \nAdel Ben Youssef (PhD)\,  is a Professor of Economics at Côte d’Azur University and member of the CNRS research lab (GREDEG – UMR 7321). He is an associate researcher at the Economic Research Forum and Global Labor Organization. Specializing in ecological and digital transitions\, he has advised international bodies and was Tunisia’s climate finance negotiator at COP 23-28 (2017-2023). He has led over 100 workshops\, coordinated 25+ international events\, and published 100+ articles. Editor-in-Chief of Platforms Journal and ranked among the top 2% economists globally\, he contributes to several editorial boards. \n\n \n\n \nNabil Boubrahimi (PhD)\,  is is currently Professor of Higher Education in Economics at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra. He is an associate expert with the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES) and the Moroccan Institute for Strategic Intelligence (IMS). Nabil Boubrahimi serves as a consultant for several international organizations (ILO\, UNDP\, AfDB\, ITC\, UNECA\, CUTS International). He is a FIATA-certified trainer in international trade procedures (Customs and Transit) and an internationally certified SME development advisor by the ITC. \n\n \n\n \nZakaria Laghzaoui (PhD)\, is a Senior Adviser to the Secretary General of ZLECAF. He held various positions of responsibility within the Moroccan Ministry of the Economy\, including head of the Commercial Affairs and Arbitration Litigation Division of the Kingdom’s Judicial Agency. A member of several committees dealing with trade and investment issues\, Zakaria Laghzaoui has actively contributed to improving the business climate in Morocco through numerous publications and works in his field of expertise.
URL:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/expert-group-meeting-harnessing-the-potential-of-the-afcfta-the-catalytic-role-of-economic-diversification-and-innovative-digital-technology/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EGM-2024-scaled.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Aziz Jaid (North Africa)":MAILTO:jaid@un.org
LOCATION:
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20241125T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20241125T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T231036
CREATED:20240717T132630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241127T090319Z
UID:10000037-1732528800-1732536900@knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org
SUMMARY:The Challenges and Impact of Climate Change on Employment in North Africa
DESCRIPTION:Objectives: \nThis webinar aims to identify key challenges that North African countries regarding climate change in terms of employment and policy recommendations. The specific objectives of the webinar are: \n\nRaise awareness and understanding of the interconnected challenges of climate change and employment in North Africa.\nShare key figures and projections regarding climate change’s effects on labor productivity\, job losses in key sectors like agriculture and tourism\, and on the potential impact of climate change on employment.\nDiscuss the opportunities\, potential and risks linked to sustainability transition in terms of employment creation and analyze how transitioning to a sustainable economy can address the region’s unemployment.\nIdentify policy pathways that governments can adopt to support climate-resilient jobs.\n\nExpected outcome: \n\nIncreased understanding of the employment impacts of climate change\, including the challenges of creating climate-resilient jobs and industries.\nIdentification of priority sectors for investment and policy reforms\, particularly renewable energy\, sustainable agriculture\, and other climate-proof industries.\nClear recommendations for policy reforms to foster sustainable job creation\, such as enhancing labor market resilience\, promoting green skills development\, and implementing just transition strategies.\n\nDate & Time: November 25\, 2024 from 10:00 am to 12:15 pm (UTC+1)\nFormat: Online (Zoom)\nInterpretation: Arabic\, French and English\nThis webinar was live streamed on   \n \n \n\n \n\nConcept Note & Agenda\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 252 Kb  \n   EnglishSize: 231 Kb  \n   FrenchSize: 277 Kb \n\n\n\n \n\nPresentations\n\n\n \n   Zoubir BenhamoucheSize: 2 Mb  \n   Ali HarbiSize: 641 Kb  \n   Adel Ben YoussefSize: 2 Mb \n\n\n \nSpeakers\n\n \nAdam B. Elhiraika (PhD)\, is the Director of UNECA’s Subregional Office for North Africa. He previously served as Director of Macroeconomics and Governance Division and Macroeconomic Policy Division of ECA\, and Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sudan (2020-2022) on leave from the UN. Before joining ECA in 2004\, he was a Research Economist at the Islamic Development Bank and Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at several universities. He published extensively in internationally refereed journals\, books and reports. \n\n \n\n \nZoubir Benhamouche (PhD)\, is an Economist at UNECA North Africa Office\, has a diverse background\, including many years of experience in financial markets with PwC and Hiram Finance in France\, and economist at the forecasting directorate of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. He also taught economics in several universities in France. His work at UNECA focuses on productivity\, governance\, structural transformation\, and climate change. He received his M.S. from ENSAE – Paris Tech\, holds advanced degrees in Economics and Statistics\, an Executive MBA\, and a PhD on inequality\, institutions\, and development. \n\n \n\n \nAdel Ben Youssef (PhD)\, is a Professor of Economics at Côte d’Azur University and member of the CNRS research lab (GREDEG – UMR 7321). He is an associate researcher at the Economic Research Forum and Global Labor Organization. Specializing in ecological and digital transitions\, he has advised international bodies and was Tunisia’s climate finance negotiator at COP 23-28 (2017-2023). He has led over 100 workshops\, coordinated 25+ international events\, and published 100+ articles. Editor-in-Chief of Platforms Journal and ranked among the top 2% economists globally\, he contributes to several editorial boards. \n\n \n\n \nAli Harbi(PhD) is a senior consultant and manager of AHC Consulting. He is an international expert in governance\, sustainable development strategies\, CSR and management systems. He is a consultant to international organisations\, a founding member of the Association Nationale de Promotion de la Gouvernance d’Entreprise en Algérie\, founder of ARSEDD ALGERIE RSE & Développement Durable and a member of the CARE think tank. His areas of expertise include the integration of sustainable development issues into corporate governance\, CSR approaches and the development of sustainability strategies\, sustainable development and the energy transition.
URL:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/the-challenges-and-impact-of-climate-change-on-employment-in-north-africa/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Webinar-on-The-Challenges-and-Impact-of-Climate-Change-on-Employment-in-North-Africa-Small.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Zoubir Benhamouche":MAILTO:benhamouche@un.org
LOCATION:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/the-challenges-and-impact-of-climate-change-on-employment-in-north-africa/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251001T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251001T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T231036
CREATED:20250918T122302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T112343Z
UID:10000043-1759312800-1759320900@knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org
SUMMARY:Leveraging Climate Finance for Decent Jobs in Africa\, Challenges and Opportunities (Online)
DESCRIPTION:Presentation and objectives: \nAlthough Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions\, it is the continent most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Its economies already face severe impacts on growth\, employment\, and poverty\, while access to climate finance remains limited\, with Africa receiving less than 5% of global flows. The cost of adaptation is estimated at USD 30 to 50 billion annually over the next decade\, far beyond the fiscal capacity of states often burdened by high debt and borrowing costs. \nClimate finance nevertheless represents a strategic opportunity to foster decent and sustainable employment. Indirectly\, it can strengthen food security and agricultural productivity\, critical for Africa’s labor markets. Directly\, it can drive investment in renewable energy\, sustainable agriculture\, and waste management\, sectors with the potential to create millions of jobs by 2030. Innovative mechanisms such as green bonds\, debt-for-climate swaps\, and blended finance (public and private investment) could help bridge the financing gap and accelerate a just transition. \nThe webinar aims to explore these challenges and opportunities\, highlight transformative approaches\, and provide concrete policy recommendations. Its objective is to deepen understanding of the employment impacts of climate change\, promote reforms to improve access to climate finance\, and support Africa’s transition to a sustainable development model. \nDate & Time: October 1st\, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:15 pm (UTC+1)\nFormat: Online (Zoom)\nInterpretation: French and English\nThis webinar will be live streamed on:   \n \n \n\n \n\nConcept Note – Agenda\n\n\n \n   Concept Note & AgendaSize: 133 Kb  \n\n\n\n \n\nPresentations\n\n\n \n   01-Zoubir-Benhamouche  \n \n   02-Kamal-Djemouai  \n \n   03-Syed-Adeel-Abbas.pdf  \n \n   04-Giovanni-Valensisi  \n \n\n\n \nSpeakers\n \n\n \nCosmas Milton Obote Ochieng\, is the Director of UNECA’s Climate Change\, Food Security and Natural Resources Division. He was Associate Professor at Boston University’s Pardee School and Executive Director of the African Centre for Technology Studies in Kenya. He previously served as Technical Coordinator for Economics\, Business and Biodiversity at IUCN in South Africa\, Climate Change Scientist at the Technical University of Denmark\, and Lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture at Lancaster University. \n\n \n\n \nAdam B. Elhiraika\, is the Director of UNECA’s Subregional Office for North Africa. He previously served as Director of Macroeconomics and Governance Division and Macroeconomic Policy Division of ECA\, and Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sudan (2020-2022) on leave from the UN. Before joining ECA in 2004\, he was a Research Economist at the Islamic Development Bank and Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at several universities. He published extensively in internationally refereed journals\, books and reports. \n\n \n\n \nKamal Djemouai\, is a climate change and sustainable development specialist with over 25 years of experience. Former president of the African Group on Climate Negotiations (2008–2009)\, he has advised African members of the Green Climate Fund\, Loss and Damage Fund\, and African Adaptation Initiative. He has chaired key UNFCCC bodies\, contributed to the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report\, and co-authored Francophonie guides. Earlier\, he served 19 years as a senior official in Algeria’s environment ministry and taught at the University of Blida. \n\n \n\n \nGiovanni Valensisi\, has been Economic Affairs Officer at UNCTAD since 2016\, specializing in structural transformation\, trade\, and finance for sustainable development in Africa and Least Developed Countries. A development economist with over 15 years of experience\, he previously worked with UNECA in Addis Ababa\, UNDP in Syria\, UNCTAD in Geneva\, and NGOs in Ecuador\, Italy\, and Guatemala. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pavia and an MSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from Toulouse School of Economics. \n\n \n\n \nSyed Adeel Abbas\, is the World Bank’s Regional Climate Change Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa\, with over 20 years of experience in adaptation\, resilience\, disaster risk management\, and green growth. Since 2012\, he has led climate-smart programs\, supported more than 20 operations\, and guided the MENA Climate Change Roadmap. He previously managed the Bank’s global climate finance initiative\, shaping $80 billion of programs. Earlier\, he directed UN- and donor-supported projects worldwide. A Fulbright scholar\, he holds advanced degrees in finance and sustainability. \n\n \n\n \nZoubir Benhamouche\, is an Economist at UNECA North Africa Office\, has a diverse background\, including many years of experience in financial markets with PwC and Hiram Finance in France\, and economist at the forecasting directorate of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. He also taught economics in several universities in France. His work at UNECA focuses on productivity\, governance\, structural transformation\, and climate change. He holds advanced degrees in Economics and Statistics\, an Executive MBA\, and a PhD focusing on inequality\, institutions\, and development.
URL:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/leveraging-climate-finance-for-decent-jobs-in-africa-challenges-and-opportunities-online/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Leveraging-Climate-Finance-for-Decent-Jobs-in-Africa-Challenges-and-Opportunities-scaled.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Zoubir Benhamouche":MAILTO:benhamouche@un.org
LOCATION:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/leveraging-climate-finance-for-decent-jobs-in-africa-challenges-and-opportunities-online/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251111T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251113T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T231036
CREATED:20250910T070742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T092820Z
UID:10000041-1762851600-1763038800@knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org
SUMMARY:40th Session of the Intergovernmental Committees of Senior Officials and Experts for North Africa 2025 (On Invitation)
DESCRIPTION:Theme of the meeting: \nThe theme of the fortieth session of the of Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for North Africa will focus on “Enhancing Domestic Resource Mobilization through Innovation and Technology in North Africa”. \nDomestic Resource Mobilization  in North African countries faces a complex array of challenges that limit their ability to generate sufficient domestic revenue to finance inclusive and sustainable development. These challenges stem from structural constraints\, weak institutional capacity\, and fragile political environments that undermine efficient tax system and effective fiscal governance. \nOvercoming these challenges will require a holistic approach. Key priorities include digitalizing tax administration\, formalizing informal economic activity\, reducing exemptions\, and investing in public financial management systems that enhance budget transparency and expenditure tracking. Financial inclusion initiatives and capital market development must be scaled up to mobilize savings and attract domestic investment. For some countries\, restoring political stability and rebuilding institutional trust is essential before structural reforms can take root. \nDigitalization can revolutionize how North African countries mobilize their domestic resources by enhancing efficiency\, transparency\, and inclusiveness in public finance systems. Advanced data analytics and AI can help detect tax evasion\, broaden the tax base\, and improve overall compliance. With large informal economies like North Africa\, mobile payment platforms can simplify tax processes and encourage participation from remote and underserved communities. \nObjectives of the meeting: \nThe central aim of the meeting is to provide a platform for peer learning among member states and experts to deliberate and formulate actionable policy recommendations that can enhance domestic resource mobilization across North Africa\, in alignment with the objective of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. \nThe meeting will also discuss the results achieved and the future work programme of the Subregional Office\, review the subregion’ economic situation and prospects and identify actions needed\, as relevant to the development priorities of the North African countries\, to accelerate the path towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. \nDate & Time: November 11\, 2025 at 9:00 am (GMT+1)\nFormat: In-person\nInterpretation: Arabic\, French and English \n \n \n\n \n\nICSOE 2025 Agenda\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 215 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 150 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 126 Kb \n\n\n \nICSOE 2025 Programme of Work\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 235 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 202 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 197 Kb \n\n\n \nICSOE 2025 Concept Note\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 368 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 348 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 232 Kb \n\n\n \nSDGs Report 2025\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 706 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 614 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 442 Kb \n\n\n \nSubregional Profile 2025\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 706 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 614 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 442 Kb  \n\n\n \nActivities Report 2025\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 354 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 308 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 223 Kb  \n\n\n\n \n\nPresentations\n\n\n \n   01-Amandine-Nakumuryango-Subregional-Profile  \n \n   02-Samia-Hamouda-SDG-Report  \n \n   03-Adam-Elhiraika-Activities-Report  \n \n   04-Grace-Chisamya-ECA-Strategic-Direction  \n \n   05-Leonard-Wantchekon-HLEG-Beyond-GDP  \n \n   06-Khalid-Hussein-Flagship-Initiatives
URL:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/40th-session-of-the-intergovernmental-committees-of-senior-officials-and-experts-for-north-2025-on-invitation/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ICSOE-2025.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Khaled Hussein (North Africa)":MAILTO:hussein44@un.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251112T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251112T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T231036
CREATED:20250919T094805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T093154Z
UID:10000042-1762938000-1762966800@knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org
SUMMARY:Expert Group Meeting "Increasing Domestic Resource Mobilization through Innovative Policies and Digital Technologies"
DESCRIPTION:Domestic resource mobilization (DRM) is critical for fiscal independence and for financing the development of a country\, particularly public spending and investment that are key for long run growth (education\, health\, infrastructures etc.). \nDRM is not only about taxation and savings\, but increasingly about how digital transformation can modernize fiscal systems\, reduce leakages\, and expand the tax base. Digitalization addresses structural bottlenecks—informality\, weak compliance\, and fragmented data systems (by introducing tools that make fiscal administration more efficient\, transparent\, and accessible). \nObjectives: \nThe Experts Group Meeting aims to provide a platform for North African policymakers\, practitioners\, private sector representatives\, and development partners to:\n• Share national experiences on tax modernization through digital technologies and financial inclusion reforms.\n• Examine how innovation\, digitalization\, and technology can enhance DRM in North Africa.\n• Identify opportunities to leverage digital technologies for improved DRM.\n• Discuss policy pathways to formalize informal activity.\n \nExpected Outcomes: \n\n• Enhanced understanding of the role of digital and technological innovations in strengthening DRM capacity across North Africa.\n• Documentation of country experiences and innovations that can be adapted and scaled regionally.\n• Actionable recommendations on improving tax administration through digital technologies.\n• identification of priority areas for regional cooperation\, capacity building\, and international support.\n \nDate & Time: November 12\, 2025 at 9:00 am (GMT+1)\nFormat: Hybrid\nInterpretation: Arabic\, French and English\nEvent live streamed on   \n \n \n\n \n\nConcept Note\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 218 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 261 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 251 Kb \n\n\n\n \n\nPrograme of Work\n\n\n \n   ArabicSize: 233 Kb \n \n\n   FrenchSize: 267 Kb \n \n\n   EnglishSize: 251 Kb \n\n\n\n \n\nPresentations\n\n\n \n   1-Arthur-Minsat  \n \n   2-Adam-Elhiraika  \n \n   3-Dhafer-Saidane  \n \n   4-Samia-Hamouda  \n \n   5-Christophe-Hurlin  \n \n   6-Aslett-Joshua  \n \n   7-Ali-Hammad  \n \n   8-Awad-Babeker-Eisa  \n \n   9-Zoubir-Benhamouche  \n \n\n\n \nSpeakers\n \n\n \nAdam B. Elhiraika (PhD)\, is the Director of UNECA’s Subregional Office for North Africa. He previously served as Director of Macroeconomics and Governance Division and Macroeconomic Policy Division of ECA\, and Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sudan (2020-2022) on leave from the UN. Before joining ECA in 2004\, he was a Research Economist at the Islamic Development Bank and Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at several universities. He published extensively in internationally refereed journals\, books and reports. \n\n \n\n \nAli Hammad Ali\, is an international tax policy and administration expert with over 25 years of experience across government\, international organizations\, and private advisory roles. As an Independent Tax Advisor\, he provides strategic counsel on international taxation\, transfer pricing\, and corporate restructuring. Formerly a consultant with UNECA\, he led major tax reforms in North and West Africa. He also worked with the OECD and advised Kuwait and Egypt’s Finance Ministries. He holds an M.A. from Keio University and is pursuing a PhD at Cairo University. \n\n \n\n \nJoshua Aslett\, is a Senior Economist in the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department. Since 2006\, he has advised governments worldwide through roles at the IMF\, World Bank\, and U.S. Treasury. His expertise spans GovTech\, including digital transformation\, IT\, advanced analytics\, and AI. He has authored IMF papers on analytics and AI and the VITARA course on IT and Data Management. He also manages IMF capacity development projects in Europe and the Middle East and holds degrees from Johns Hopkins and the University of Florida. \n\n \n\n \nDhafer Saidane (PhD)\, is a Full Professor at SKEMA Business School. He directs the MSc “Sustainable Finance & FinTech” (Paris–Dubai) and oversees the MSc “Corporate Financial Management” across multiple campuses. A former member of the Tunisian Prime Minister’s Economic Analysis Council\, he chairs the African Finance Network and the Risk Committee of STB Finance. An expert for international institutions\, he has authored seven books\, including African Banks: The Great Challenges (2021)\, and co-founded the ESG impact platform Sustainable Performance Indicator (SPIScore). \n\n \n\n \nArthur J. Minsat (PhD)\, is Senior Economist and Head of the Africa\, Middle East and Europe Unit at the OECD Development Centre. He leads flagship reports such as Africa’s Development Dynamics and Revenue Statistics in Africa\, produced with the African Union Commission. Formerly at UNDP and the African Development Bank\, he co-authored major reports on urbanisation\, entrepreneurship\, and infrastructure. With experience in academia and the private sector\, he taught at the LSE\, King’s College London and Sciences-Po\, he is also a frequent media contributor (Reuters\, CNBS\, Le Monde\, Les Échos\, France 24). \n\n \n\n \nSami Mouley (PhD)\, is Professor of Macroeconomics and International Finance at ESSEC Business School\, University of Tunis. With over 25 years of experience in academia\, research\, and international consultancy\, he has served as Chief Economist at the Maghreb Bank for Investment and the Central Bank of Tunisia. He has advised North African governments on structural reforms and contributed to major reports for the African Development Bank\, World Bank\, UN agencies\, and the EU.
URL:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/expert-group-meeting-increasing-domestic-resource-mobilization-through-innovative-policies-and-digital-technologies/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/EGM-Increasing-DRM-2025-v2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Zoubir Benhamouche":MAILTO:benhamouche@un.org
LOCATION:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/expert-group-meeting-increasing-domestic-resource-mobilization-through-innovative-policies-and-digital-technologies/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251120T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20251120T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T231036
CREATED:20251030T090830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T140454Z
UID:10000045-1763643600-1763650800@knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org
SUMMARY:Middle Income Countries Trap: The Case of North Africa (Online)
DESCRIPTION:Presentation and objectives: \nThe middle-income trap (MIT) refers to countries that\, after reaching a moderate level of development\, experience a growth slowdown that prevents them from advancing further. Traditional explanations\, based on neoclassical\, structural\, and endogenous growth theories\, emphasize the need for capital accumulation\, structural transformation\, technological upgrading\, integration into global value chains\, human capital improvement\, and innovation. However\, this framework is increasingly outdated\, as current middle-income countries (MICs) face new challenges shaped by technological disruption\, geopolitical and economic fragmentation\, population aging\, and especially climate change. These factors create a far more uncertain global environment\, requiring new approaches to sustain development and escape the trap. \nIn this context\, the webinar aims to:\n•	Contribute to a better understanding of the MIT challenges in North Africa in the face of new and deep global challenges\,\n•	Define a new analytical framework that integrates the impacts of the global challenges on the growth options and trajectories of MICs in North Africa\,\n•	Apply the framework to North African countries. \nDate & Time: Thursday 20 November\, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (UTC+1)\nFormat: Online (Zoom)\nInterpretation: Arabic\, French and English\nThis webinar was streamed live on:   \n \n \n\n \n\nConcept Note – Agenda\n\n\n \n   FrenchSize: 209 Kb \n \n   ArabicSize: 193 Kb \n \n   EnglishSize: 205 Kb  \n\n\n\n \n\nPresentations\n\n\n \n   1-Zoubir-Benhamouchet  \n \n   2-Said-Souam  \n \n   3-Adel-Ben-Youssef  \n \n   4-Nabil-Jedlane  \n \n\n\n \nSpeakers\n \n\n \nAdam B. Elhiraika (PhD)\, is the Director of UNECA’s Subregional Office for North Africa. He previously served as Director of Macroeconomics and Governance Division and Macroeconomic Policy Division of ECA\, and Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sudan (2020-2022) on leave from the UN. Before joining ECA in 2004\, he was a Research Economist at the Islamic Development Bank and Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at several universities. He published extensively in internationally refereed journals\, books and reports. \n\n \n\n \nAdel Ben Youssef (PhD)\, is Associate Professor of Economics at Université Côte d’Azur and member of CNRS-GREDEG. His research focuses on digital and ecological transitions\, notably the “twin transition” linking innovation and sustainability. He has published over 100 papers\, led 40 international projects\, and advised UN agencies. A COP climate negotiator for Tunisia (COP23–29)\, he serves on advisory boards for INCIT\, MENAPAR\, and AISMA. Ranked among the top 1% of economists worldwide\, he received the Auguste Piccard Award for research on digitalization and sustainability. \n\n\n \nNabil Jedlane (PhD)\, is Professor of Economics and International Finance and Director of the LAMSID Research Laboratory at the National School of Business and Management in Tangier (Abdelmalek Essaâdi University). He serves as consultant and expert for the UN-ECA\, UN-ESCWA\, OECD\, and African Union. President of the Scientific Council and Vice-President of the African Finance Network\, he has published extensively on African economic\, financial\, and monetary integration and national and regional development policies. \n\n \n \n\n \nSaïd Souam (PhD)\, is a professor of economics at Paris Nanterre University and deputy director of EconomiX since January 2020. He is a fellow of the Pan-African Scientific Research Council and has taught in France\, Algeria\, and Greece. His research covers industrial economics\, competition policy\, and law and economics. He has published in International Journal of Industrial Organization\, International Review of Law and Economics\, and World Economics\, co-organises the Economies of the Muslim World and EconomIA seminars\, and authored reports on ICT regulation and competition policy. \n\n \n\n \nZoubir Benhamouche (PhD)\, is an Economist at UNECA North Africa Office\, has a diverse background\, including many years of experience in financial markets with PwC and Hiram Finance in France\, and economist at the forecasting directorate of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. He also taught economics in several universities in France. His work at UNECA focuses on productivity\, governance\, structural transformation\, and climate change. He holds advanced degrees in Economics and Statistics\, an Executive MBA\, and a PhD focusing on inequality\, institutions\, and development.
URL:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/middle-income-countries-trap-the-case-of-north-africa-online/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Webinar-MIT-2025-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Aziz Jaid":MAILTO:jaid@un.org
LOCATION:https://knowledgehub-sro-na.uneca.org/event/middle-income-countries-trap-the-case-of-north-africa-online/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR