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AI Threatens 300 Million Jobs Globally

Participants at the Third Annual Congress for Arab Media Professionals, organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union in Tunis. Asharq Al-Awsat
Participants at the Third Annual Congress for Arab Media Professionals, organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union in Tunis. Asharq Al-Awsat
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AI Threatens 300 Million Jobs Globally

Participants at the Third Annual Congress for Arab Media Professionals, organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union in Tunis. Asharq Al-Awsat
Participants at the Third Annual Congress for Arab Media Professionals, organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union in Tunis. Asharq Al-Awsat

International media, communication, and new technologies experts have discussed the positive and negative effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Arab media sector and the media in general, as well as on the global economy, during the Third Annual Congress for Arab Media Professionals, organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union in Tunis.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the President of the Arab States Broadcasting Union and the CEO of Saudi Broadcast Authority (SBA), Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, pointed to an increasing interest of media and communication officials in the effects of AI on media content and on the use of modern means of communication to address billions of people around the world.

Asked about the importance of the annual congress and the message it conveys about AI and its effects on the media, Al-Harithi said: “The interest of the Arab States Broadcasting Union in this phenomenon was imposed by global media, technological and communications developments... Artificial intelligence will not only change the media sector, but it will also impact many sectors in the Arab region and in the entire world.”

He revealed that a report issued by the World Bank predicts that 40 percent of jobs worldwide may disappear due to AI.

“There are also reports that estimate that about 300 million jobs will vanish soon due to applications of AI in many sectors, including media, communications, technologies, and services,” he added.

Regarding the consequences of AI on media and communication in particular, Al-Harthi emphasized that this sector was the most affected by rapid technological changes, especially by AI, because it depends more than others on the complete overlap between content creation, modern technologies, and the promotion of media products within many new and complex mechanisms and methods.

“We are in an era in which much of the media has begun to give in to AI mechanisms... We noticed this during our tours around the world, including to the international news agency, The Associated Press (AP), which produces about a third of its media and communication materials through advanced digital software, in which journalists and humans in general do not interfere... especially for some traditional media stories, such as the results of sports matches,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Al-Harthi continued: “This development undoubtedly poses many challenges to those responsible for media, communication, and influencing public opinion through very modern digital technological means, including the challenge of fake or fabricated news.”

He noted that the Arab States Broadcasting Union has opened important cases related to the misuse of AI, such as “violating privacy and personal data,” publishing “fake news,” and stealing and broadcasting news without respecting intellectual property rights and broadcasting rights.

Commenting on studies that prove successful AI practices in various media and communication sectors, Al-Harthi said: “We also have successful experiences, and AI as a whole is not a curse. Rather, it can also be a blessing for media professionals, students, researchers, and the public.”

However, he stressed that ensuring the accuracy of information requires, in many cases, serious human scrutiny and intervention by media professionals, experts, and researchers to verify the authenticity of the news and information, as well as conducting investigations into contradictory news and sources, and their cross-references.

“At the same time, there are those who consider the acceleration of the use of artificial intelligence to be a frightening development. Therefore, the concerned authorities in the United States held meetings with all those involved with the aim of rationalizing the benefit of AI mechanisms in accordance with directives that are consistent with the country’s constants and its highest national interests.”

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.