The 67th edition of the Arab Economic Bulletin includes five pivotal studies in Arabic. They address issues related to enhancing development in Arab countries amid the historical transformations the Arab region is experiencing and the challenges it faces on the path toward reform and improving economic efficiency. This aims to enable the Arab economy to join the ranks of developing countries that have established a significant presence in the global economy.

The first study is titled: "Potential Impacts of New U.S. Tariffs on the Arab and Global Economy."
This study aims to analyze the potential effects of the new U.S. tariffs on both the Arab and global economies by reviewing their direct and indirect impacts on foreign trade, investment flows, commodity prices, and market stability. It also seeks to provide a set of practical recommendations to enhance the capacity of Arab countries to adapt to these changes and achieve a more balanced position in the evolving international trade system.

The global economy in 2025 is experiencing a new phase of trade escalation due to protectionist policies re-adopted by U.S. President Donald Trump during his second term. Starting April 2025, the U.S. administration announced a series of comprehensive tariffs on imports from more than 60 countries under the name “Liberation Day Tariffs,” with an average rate ranging between 15% and 18%, the highest level the United States has imposed since the 1930s.

For the Arab world, these policies are added to a set of structural challenges faced by Arab economies, such as fragile intra-Arab trade (not exceeding 15% of total exchanges), increasing non-tariff barriers, weak economic diversification, and high transport and logistics costs. Together, these factors reduce the competitiveness of Arab products in global markets and increase the vulnerability of economies to external shocks.

The second study is titled: "The Green Recovery Plan: The Role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standards in Reconstruction and Sustainable Development."
The world, and the Arab region in particular, is witnessing a series of complex and interconnected crises, from economic and social challenges to the increasing impacts of climate change and regional conflicts. These exceptional conditions require adopting new and comprehensive approaches for reconstruction and growth, not limited to addressing immediate consequences but also anticipating the future to ensure sustainable and resilient development. In this context, the concept of "Green Recovery" emerges as a promising framework that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations at the core of recovery and reconstruction efforts.

This study is particularly significant in the Arab context, which faces unique challenges, including countries affected by conflicts and humanitarian crises, and those seeking to diversify their economies and enhance their capacity to adapt to climate change. Adopting green recovery principles represents a real opportunity to rebuild more resilient and sustainable economies, create new jobs, and improve citizens' quality of life while preserving natural resources for future generations.

The study aims to explore the pivotal role of ESG standards in formulating and implementing green recovery and reconstruction plans in the Arab region. It particularly seeks to understand how these standards can contribute to achieving sustainable and inclusive development by guiding investments, enhancing transparency and accountability, and ensuring that environmental and social aspects are considered at all stages of planning and implementation.

To achieve these objectives, the study adopts an analytical methodology based on reviewing relevant literature, analyzing successful global experiences in green recovery and ESG application, and providing actionable strategic insights and recommendations applicable to the Arab context. Through this analysis, the study seeks to offer a practical framework that can guide the adoption and implementation of effective and sustainable green recovery plans contributing to a better future for the region.

The third study is titled: "Career Guidance and Counseling Programs in the Context of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence," prepared by the Arab Labor Organization.
Arab labor markets have undergone rapid transformations due to technological advancements, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, presenting unprecedented challenges and opportunities for training, education, and career guidance systems in Arab countries.

In line with these developments, the Arab Labor Organization issued a study titled: "Career Guidance and Counseling Programs in the Context of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence" as an important scientific contribution to keep pace with these changes. This study enriches efforts to build modern career guidance systems that respond to youth aspirations and labor market needs.

The study is particularly important in light of employment and unemployment reports in Arab countries issued periodically by the organization, highlighting existing challenges related to high unemployment rates, especially among youth and women, and the urgent need to develop flexible and innovative career guidance systems that link education and training outcomes to labor market demands in the digital economy. Strengthening career guidance programs and leveraging digitalization and AI in their design and implementation represents a promising opportunity to improve employment prospects, increase productivity, and empower Arab youth to build stable career paths, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly Goal 8: promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

The fourth study is titled: "Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges."
Arab countries show noticeable disparities in progress regarding digital transformation and the adoption of AI technologies. Some countries have made significant advances, while others still face challenges in infrastructure, technical education, and policy formulation.

According to the ESCWA 2024 report, the average performance of the Arab region in the e-government development index (EGDI) remains below the global average, despite notable progress in some countries. Gulf Cooperation Council countries have achieved high global rankings, while some other Arab countries face varied challenges due to local circumstances, reflected in their classification within medium or weak categories in the index.

The Arab world is witnessing significant growth in adopting AI technologies, supported by active government policies and long-term strategic visions, not merely as technical tools but as a new administrative and philosophical model that redefines concepts such as efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. Techniques like machine learning, predictive analytics, and digital assistants are being used in education, healthcare, transportation, and government services, opening doors to unprecedented ways of delivering services and measuring social impact.

The fifth study is titled: "Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges."
This study addresses the rapid transformations driven by digital technologies and AI, which have reshaped ways of living, working, and interacting both individually and institutionally. With this technological leap, the need to enhance the concept of corporate social responsibility increases to align with digital-era requirements, ultimately improving quality of life and directing technological progress to serve societies.