World solidarity must to face challenges: Unesco official

Dubai - udrey Azoulay, director general of Unesco, highlighted that technology, demographics and climate are key challenges facing today's world

Governments must ensure equal female education, freedom of speech and a transparent international dialogue to collectively face global challenges facing today's world.
In the presence of His Highess Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the World Government Summit, Audrey Azoulay, director general of Unesco, highlighted that technology, demographics and climate are key challenges facing today's world.
She urged opening international and transparent conversation among countries to renew commitment of find solution to emerging challenges.
Azoulay stated that 263 million children remain out of schools, and even those in schools are not necessarily receiving the right skills needed for the 21st century, which calls for the need to strengthen and diversify education.
"We know and we see the power of technology and e-learning, but we only scratched the surface of technology in education. The fourth industrial revolution calls for a sharp focus on Artificial Intelligence and technology," she said in her main address at the summit's last day.
Science opens up a new area of innovation, and there is a common responsibility for all to share and motivate them to find new solutions to risks, she said.
Azoulay stressed that the renewal of human capital and natural resources inherited will be the answer. The world should keep AI open but invest in human intelligence.
Climate challenges and rising sea levels is a serious challenges facing humanity today that will require global efforts. By 2050, population will rise to nine billion, which is triple the current population, where people will focus on moving to the big cities that provide better services. The shift will cause many problems related to migration inside and outside of countries.
She said the two essential questions the world must be asking are "What is the major force that will shape future? What world do we want to give our children and based on what values."
Azoulay added, "We need to establish human solidarity to build human peace. We have to ensure that out women are in classrooms, and not forced to marry, and this means freedom of expression."
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai