Social entrepreneurship in the Arab world is a promising field that seeks to achieve a positive impact on society and the environment through innovative and sustainable solutions. In recent years, the region has witnessed a remarkable growth in this sector, driven by increasing awareness of social and economic challenges and the desire of young people to make a positive change.
A global view of social entrepreneurship:
According to the 2024 World Economic Forum report, there are about 10 million social institutions around the world, generating approximately $ 2 trillion of annual revenues, and providing more than 200 million jobs. It is worth noting that one of every two global social institutions led by women, compared to one in five traditional institutions.
Social Entrepreneurship in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is estimated that financially sustainable social institutions can contribute an additional rate of 2.5% of GDP annually, and make more than 250,000 jobs by 2030. According to the global index issued by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Charitable Foundation (Musk).
Social Entrepreneurship in the United Arab Emirates:
In the United Arab Emirates, the GEM report showed that 80% of Emiratis consider entrepreneurship a good professional choice, and 60% see good opportunities to start a new project in the near future. However, only 50% believes that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to start a business, according to the GM Entrepreneur.
Challenges and opportunities in the Arab world:
Despite these positive developments, social entrepreneurs in the Arab world face multiple challenges, including:
* Lack of financing and financial support: Social institutions face difficulty in reaching the necessary financing to expand their business.
* Organizational and legal environment: Many Arab countries lack clear legal frameworks that support social entrepreneurship.
* Education and training: There is an urgent need for educational and training programs specialized in the field of social entrepreneurship.
However, these challenges provide opportunities for growth and development, especially with the increasing global and local interest in investing in projects with a positive social and environmental impact.
The role of supporting institutions and organizations:
Non -governmental organizations and educational institutions play a vital role in supporting social entrepreneurs in the region. For example, the “Injaz Al Arab” organization is to provide training programs for young people in the areas of job readiness, financial culture, and entrepreneurship, with the aim of enabling them to start their own projects and achieving a positive impact in their societies.
Conclusion:
Current statistics and trends show that social entrepreneurship in the Arab world possesses great potential to contribute to sustainable development, create job opportunities, and improve social and economic conditions. By enhancing financial support, developing legal frameworks, and providing appropriate education and training, this sector can achieve a positive and sustainable impact in the region.
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