Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced today ahead of the World Economic Forum on MENA, that 83 percent of regional employers need leaders with digital skills to meet nationwide transformation and sustainability goals.
Across the region, governments are leading nationwide transformation goals, such as Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, New Kuwait 2035, Oman Vision 2040, and UAE Vision 2021. Both the public and private sectors are digitizing to drive competitiveness, revenue, and transform citizen experiences. In MENA, 83 percent of employers value digital skills for senior roles, according to a Bayt.com survey.
One of the most pressing topics being discussed at the World Economic Forum MENA is about digital skills development for youth. The World Economic Forum predicts that 65 percent of today’s primary school students will enter the workforce in entirely new careers that do not yet exist. Countries should foster young talent development on AI, cloud, and Internet of Things skills, argues Schneider Electric.
“The Middle East’s high demand for digital skills shows that nationwide digital transformation projects, from Smart Cities to large-scale renewable energy projects, require high levels of advanced digital skills,” said Hanan Darwish, Cluster President – Gulf and Pakistan, Schneider Electric. “While not every job will be digital, AI, cloud, and IoT will be part of every career. Public, private, and academic partnerships are vital now to enable the youth of tomorrow to successfully enter new careers.”
For example, Schneider Electric Foundation’s Access to Energy program develops skills and knowledge needed for the development and maintenance of renewable energy projects, especially in Africa, Egypt, and Pakistan. Schneider Electric’s Go Green in the City 2019 global student contest also seeks to find bold ideas and innovative solutions for Smart Cities. In 2018, more than 24,000 young innovators from more than 3,000 universities in 163 countries took part, including 58 percent women.
“Our Schneider Electric Foundation and Go Green in the City programs are building sustainable communities through exchanging energy knowledge, skills, and leadership,” added Hanan Darwish. “Education, innovation, awareness-raising, and vocational training related to energy are seeing strong results, from installing solar power systems in homes to developing Smart City recycling programs.”
Further supporting young talent, Schneider Electric is also partnering with BITS Pilani University in Dubai on an innovative internship program for students studying business, IT, and engineering.
The World Economic Forum on MENA runs from 5-6 April 2019 at the Dead Sea, Jordan.