Samar Fatany
The national transformation plan continues to be the subject of discussion among all segments of society. There are those who are ardent supporters, others are skeptics, and there are also doubters. The supporters believe that it is a brilliant plan that will save the country from a pending economic crisis. The skeptics believe that the plan is too ambitious and that it will be very difficult to realize its goals. As for the doubters, they believe that we do not have the manpower or the know-how to implement such a gigantic project.
Meanwhile, economists outline basic requirements needed to implement Vision 2030. They assert that good governance and social justice are critical for a smooth transformation process. The government must pledge a national commitment to provide the basic rights for all citizens before policymakers draw the mechanism for the transformation plan. They should begin by strengthening the rule of law and applying justice for all to guarantee national support for the change.
An efficient and strong judiciary is a fundamental requirement for the protection of human rights and for sustainable social progress and stability. Legal analysts have always maintained the need to modernize the legal system in order to achieve meaningful social and economic reforms.
The judiciary system should incorporate flexible laws that are necessary for change. Our legal system lacks transparency, predictability and due process to attract foreign investment. Businesses have suffered and projects have been delayed or aborted because of legal restrictions. The hardliners who continue to exercise legal control over our economic liberties are the impediments to economic prosperity.
Religious strife is also a major threat to the transformation plan. It will not be easy to bring about change with the prevalence of the ultra-conservative opinions entrenched in the minds of some who call for a boycott of entertainment networks and label advocates of modernity as enemies of the faith. Social scientists urge a strong government stand against the obstructionists who have delayed the reform movement and divided our society into progressives and extremists.
Saudi youth expect policymakers to chart a plan that will ensure a better future for all, where no one should be above the law. Every citizen is entitled to lead a life of decency and dignity. Saudi youth today who represent 70 percent of the population are more aware of their rights and want to be on a par with other countries that enjoy freedom, equality and social justice. They hold the government responsible for providing opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. The plan should include serious steps to improve healthcare and public well-being, as well as provide equal opportunities and decent work for all. These are the requirements for a healthy and productive society.
There should be programs to promote a moderate and inclusive society and an effective mechanism to provide upward mobility for women and allow their participation in nation building. Many capable and qualified women remain marginalized. According to the 2014 McKinsey “Women Matter” survey, women in Saudi Arabia hold less than one percent of executive-committee and board positions which is among the lowest in the world.
The progress of our nation depends on the success of the youth and the empowerment of women who will be the future leaders of this country. Quality education, on-the-job training and business opportunities are basic requirements to help them succeed and become contributing citizens. What we need is a clear road map to sustainable development that will ensure a successful and irreversible transformation plan.
The agenda for the next 15 years should be a charter to support new Saudi citizens of the twenty-first century who can lead the nation to a better future.
Government officials, the Shoura Council, civil society, local authorities, the business and the private sector, the scientific and academic community and all stakeholders must show more commitment to implementing the transformation plan.
— Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at samarfatany@hotmail.com
