New York, NY – [25 April 2024] – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation today formalized a partnership. The collaboration aims to leverage the gaming and esports industry in order to stimulate entrepreneurship and youth employment.

The gaming industry has seen remarkable growth, evolving into a major segment of the entertainment industry with profound economic, cultural, and technological impacts. As technology advances and gaming platforms become easier to access, the industry is poised for further expansion. The global games market is expected to generate revenues of $184.0 billion in 2023, with a player base that could reach 3.38 billion.

"With this partnership, we aim to create pathways that empower young people with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the global gaming and esports industry," said Marcos Neto, Assistant Secretary General, Assistant Administrator and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. "This is about building a future where innovation and sustainability drive economic growth and employment."

The partnership between UNDP and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation aims to tap into this dynamic sector to offer new opportunities for youth in the United Arabs Emirates and the in programme countries of the foundation. This collaboration comes as part of Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation’s Nomu, a multi-stakeholder youth talent development initiative launched by the Foundation in 2022 in the UAE and which is now regional. It will focus on developing critical skills and fostering innovative business ideas within the gaming and esports ecosystems.

Mona Ghander, the Vice President, Partnerships and Programs at Al Ghurair Foundation added, "The Foundation is dedicated to investing in the technical talents and entrepreneurial skills of youth in the region. With this collaboration, we aim to bring Al Ghurair UNDP game development bootcamp to the UAE, enhancing the livelihood of youth and promoting social innovation through creativity”.

This collaboration is expected to explore new avenues for partnership, fostering a skilled and innovative workforce ready to contribute to the flourishing gaming and esports sector.

About UNDP:

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

About Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation: 

Founded in 2015, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation aims to empower Emirati and Arab youth to thrive and contribute to the sustainable development of the region through innovative education solutions and authentic partnerships. As one of the largest privately funded philanthropic foundations in the Arab region, it supports the provision of high-quality technology-based education opportunities and the development of relevant skills for a successful transition into higher education and the labor market.