A Digital Revival for the Palestinian Economy

The Colour of Innovation is a podcast brought to you by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this show we cover stories of innovation from across the Arab States. In each episode we examine some of the most pressing development challenges in the region, through stories from people on the ground, social innovators, experts, and our colleagues exploring new solutions.

In this last episode of Season 2, we look at how a new generation of Palestinian professionals are making the most of opportunities in the digital economy. Recorded prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the topic of how remote, online work can alleviate the massive youth unemployment challenge facing the Arab region is more pertinent than ever. As the technical lead for the socio-economic response to Covid-19 in the UN system, UNDP and its country offices worldwide are mobilising to address the impacts of the pandemic on economies and communities. In Palestine, the UNDP Accelerator Lab has been busy supporting micro- and small- and medium-sized enterprises while exploring transformative pathways to inclusive economic development.

We talk to Musheera Jais, who is freelancing as a voice-over artist from the Gaza Strip, about her experiences and what new opportunities e-work has provided. We then discuss the digital landscape in Palestine with one of its pioneers, Laith Kassis, who tells us about some of the emerging technologies that hold most promise of dignified employment. Finally, we speak with the UNDP Deputy Special Representative in Palestine, Geoffrey Prewitt, about how UNDP can best support the tech sector and provide a way for regional economies to link to the Palestinian talent pool.

For more information follow the links below:

Gaza Sky Geeks: https://gazaskygeeks.com/

EnterVentures: http://www.enterventures.ps/

UNDP PAPP: https://www.ps.undp.org/

UNDP Arab States: http://www.arabstates.undp.org/

UNDP Accelerator Labs: https://acceleratorlabs.undp.org/

UNDP Innovation in the Arab States: http://inno4arabstates.com/

SAWTI:  https://www.facebook.com/SAWTIpalestine/

Credits:

Host: Ben Thompson Coon

Producers: Jennifer Colville and Ben Thompson Coon

Sound Engineer: Benjamin Lehti

Guests: Musheera Jaish, Laith Kassis, Geoffrey Prewitt