Leaving No One Behind: Social Inclusion and Justice in the Arab Vision 2045

June 2025: Developed by UNESCWA and the League of Arab States, the Arab Vision 2045 lays out a collective roadmap for a more stable, prosperous, and united Arab region. Grounded in shared values and cultural identity, the Vision is built around six interlinked pillars: security and safety; justice and equity; innovation and creativity; prosperity and balanced development; diversity and dynamism; and cultural and intellectual renewal. It places young people at the center as the primary agents of change, and calls for greater regional cooperation, sustainable development, and investment in human potential. Emphasizing not only economic growth but also social inclusion, the Vision seeks to translate shared aspirations into long-term, people-centered progress for all. 

Among the six pillars of the Arab Vision 2045, justice and equity underscore the importance of advancing social progress across the region. The Vision calls for a new era of social protection, health coverage, education, skills development, decent work, housing and sustainable urban development. Equal opportunities for all citizens are treated as a fundamental human right, extending to environmental protection and sustainability for future generations. It also calls for a new social contract that leaves no one behind, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. Broad participation in development, and promotion of transparency and accountability are essential to achieving these goals.  

Among the proposed measures are: 

• Review education, health, adequate housing and employment systems to ensure that all population groups and social segments have equal access to these fundamental services; and introduce technological improvements in institutional and social sectors to enhance inclusivity and service delivery. 

• Promote micro-payment solutions and develop blockchain-based wallets to support the growth of SMEs; and link mobile wallets to digital-only “neo-banks” via a proposed unified payments interface to achieve financial inclusion and address the needs of marginalized and unbanked populations, and support businesses and projects in less developed areas across the Arab region. 

• Provide decent employment opportunities in accordance with each country’s economic cycle; equip every person with the knowledge and skills required to contribute productively and innovatively at home and abroad; and prepare individuals to adapt to rapidly evolving global and regional dynamics.  

• Develop diverse forms of basic, vocational, applied and interactive lifelong training accessible to all, aligned with the highest internationally recognized standards; match training to changing labour market demands and technological advancements; promote digital and creative skills to increase individual and team productivity; and strengthen cooperation among Arab ministries of justice to facilitate the transfer of emerging technologies through the tools of the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions to reinforce trust in judicial institutions. 

• Build partnerships and cooperation programmes for judicial training and experience exchange among Arab countries; organize regular and continuous training courses for judiciary personnel; and establish advanced systems that keep pace with digital and technological progress and ensure equality, integrity, efficiency and sound governance. 

These proposals aim to foster inclusive development by ensuring equal access to essential services, promoting decent work, and strengthening institutional resilience. By committing to a future where no one is left behind, the Arab Vision 2045 lays the foundation for a more just and cohesive society. As global attention turns to the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Arab Vision 2045 offers a powerful example of regional leadership in advancing inclusive, people-centered development. In its focus on dignity, equity, and opportunity for all, the Vision echoes the global call to accelerate social progress and secure a future where every person can thrive.

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