The Arab World Is The Least Equal

The Arab World Is The Least Equal

In the next five years, 47 percent of Arabs anticipate that equality will increase.

The Arab region is the most unequal in the world, according to a recent assessment from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (UN ESCWA). If these inequities are not addressed, the paper forewarns of the possibility of "a breakdown in social cohesiveness."

According to the paper, Disparity in the Arab Region: A ticking Time Bomb, the Arab world has some of the highest rates of economic inequality worldwide. Compared to 52 percent internationally, 55 percent in Latin America, and 36 percent in Asia, the top 10 percent of earners account for more than 60 percent of national income in several nations.

Compared to 52 percent internationally, 55 percent in Latin America, and 36 percent in Europe, the top 10 percent of earners in some nations account for more than 60 percent of the national economy.

Demographic trends, inadequate education, the digital gap, weakened institutions, corruption and a lack of transparency, data shortages, and overpriced housing are some of the factors that contribute to inequality.

It also notes that gender disparity is consistently higher than the average for the world. Comparatively to 142 years internationally, it is predicted that 179 years will be needed to close the gender gap. In 2021, this gender gap—which is 61 percent as opposed to 67.7 percent globally—is among the largest in the globe.

Youth unemployment is likewise the highest, at 3.8 times the rate of working adults.also marks a high point for the past 25 years globally. In the meanwhile, women and individuals with disabilities have greater unemployment rates than males and persons with impairments.

"Such variables, if ignored, would exacerbate already-existing inequities, disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable groups. According to UNESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti, stated by Arabnews on Sunday (28/8/2022), "These variables run the risk of stoking more unhappiness and alienation among the Arab community, leading to the breakdown of social cohesiveness."

The Arab population is upbeat and cheerful despite this doom. According to an ESCWA survey, 52% of people in the region think equality is a reality, either fully or partially, and 47% think it will get better over the next five years, says Rola.

In order to integrate divergent demographic groupings in the richest and poorest segments of society and generate opportunities, he also suggested the establishment of regional solidarity funds and coalitions. The pandemic, which particularly affected the region's poorest and most vulnerable communities, had also brought to light "deep and long-standing inequities," according to the report.

As a result, 16 million more individuals fell into poverty, bringing the total number of poor people in the region to over 116 million—nearly a quarter of the total population. People with impairments, women, young people, low-educated employees, and those in the informal sector have suffered the most from employment loss during the pandemic.