Beirut-Algiers, 24 June 2025--People across the Arab region continue to face widespread inequality, much of it stemming from unequal exposure to life-cycle risks. Strong, inclusive social protection systems can play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities by offering financial security and safeguarding livelihoods. Against this backdrop, the fourth Arab Forum for Equality (AFE-2025) kicked off this morning in Algiers, bringing together high-level policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to address one of the region's most pressing challenges: inequalities and social protection coverage.
The Forum is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in partnership with the Ministry of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs in Algeria and a range of regional and international partners.
Held under the theme "Inequality and Social Protection", the Forum explores how robust and inclusive social protection systems can tackle inequality by reducing vulnerabilities and safeguarding individuals throughout their life cycle.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister of Algeria Nadir Larbaoui reaffirmed that the principles of equality and non-discrimination were at the core of human rights, adding that they were not reserved to any particular country or group, but rather fundamental rights for all societies. He called for continued and intensified dialogue on issues of equality, particularly among policymakers, experts, and civil society organizations in the Arab region and beyond. Larbaoui also affirmed Algeria's full readiness to share its national experience in this field, as part of its ongoing efforts to support development in the Global South through implementing projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
In recent years, the Arab region has been grappling with a series of overlapping crises-from conflict and economic stagnation to climate shocks and social unrest. These challenges have both exposed and intensified existing inequalities. AFE-2025 aims to spotlight the transformative potential of social protection in reversing these trends and achieving greater equity.
For her part, ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti stressed the need for a new social contract - one that was truly for all, not a privilege for the few, a contract grounded in rights, based on data, and characterized by sustainability. She also highlighted the need for financial decisions that support social protection systems - not just to reduce poverty, but to shield all segments of society from life's various risks. She added that ESCWA was ready to support the path of change through policy tools, financing models, legislative analyses, and integrated systems. Social protection is not a luxury, but an economic necessity - and a political investment in trust, social cohesion, and long-term societal stability.
A TED Talk on inequality followed the opening session, featuring influencers and content creators Mohammed Al Kandari and Omar Althowani, where they introduced the Forum and its objectives, highlighting the importance of addressing inequality issues in the Arab region.
Throughout two days of dynamic dialogue, participants will exchange experiences and explore practical policy solutions to enhance equality in the delivery of social protection system. Discussions will focus on leveraging technology and innovative policy designs to expand reach and effectiveness. It will also underscore how well-designed social protection systems can bridge inequality gaps and support inclusive development and showcase successful regional and global models that can inform policymakers in Arab countries.
For the agenda and more details, click here.
