Podgorica, December 13, 2024: The delegation of the PAM, consisting of Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro Nikolla Camaj and Member of Parliament Zoja Bojanić Lalović, as representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, actively participated in the EMANES annual conference of the EU-Mediterranean and African Network for Economic Studies, within the “Policy Session: Digitalization Skills and the Future of Labor Market in Europe, Mediterranean, and Africa: Prospects for Mobility,” organised by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), on December 12, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.
Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro Nikolla Camaj emphasised at the beginning of his speech that it is a great pleasure to address the distinguished EMANES conference on behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), which is confirmed by the presence of eminent experts in economic sciences from the academic community of the Euro-Mediterranean and African regions. He noted that this conference provides an opportunity for open dialogue, allowing the demonstration of responsibility regarding upcoming challenges in the field of digitalization and the future of the labor market, ultimately leading toward the shared space we inhabit.
Artificial intelligence and new technologies are significantly changing the way we operate, creating new roles and requiring a workforce with advanced digital skills. PAM advocates for people-oriented digital entrepreneurship, believing that these transformations will not replace professions but will automate specific tasks, said Camaj.
Although Europe is making efforts to integrate information technologies into educational and labor programs, industries continue to suffer from a lack of skills in key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analysis. The Euro-Mediterranean and African regions have great potential to leverage digitalisation to strengthen socio-economic growth, but coordination is essential in building infrastructure, education, and reducing regional disparities, noted Camaj.
Investments in education and infrastructure, as well as programs targeting marginalised groups, are key to reducing the skills gap and promoting inclusivity. In addition, political measures that support labor mobility, such as programs to accelerate digital skills and remote work, can help create global job opportunities. In this context, it is important to integrate digital literacy from an early age into educational systems, harmonise curriculums and certifications, and enable easier entry of digitally skilled workers into the labor market. The integration of digital skills into workforce mobility strategies is fundamental for sustainable growth,” Camaj said.
Vice President Camaj also mentioned that PAM is ready to support initiatives for mobility and migration policies that promote inclusivity. Such gatherings facilitate the exchange of successful experiences and policies, contributing to the collective building of a prosperous and innovative digital economy. While the challenges ahead are not small, I am confident that we can harness the potential of digital transformation to improve all our regions, concluded Camaj.
This year’s 9th EMANES conference provides a unique opportunity for leading and young representatives from academia, practitioners, and policymakers from Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Belgium, Canada, Montenegro, Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, and others to discuss innovative solutions related to digitalization and economic transformation. In light of technological advancements, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa are undergoing a key transformation of their labor markets, influenced by the growing roles of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization. During the three-day conference, the impacts of these topics were discussed in the direction of enhancing mobility between these regions, while identifying opportunities and challenges in various economic contexts.
PARLIAMENT OF MONTENEGRO
Department for Public Relations
