

Empowering Arab Youth
for a Resilient Future
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is often a challenging time for youth all around the world. This transformative period, marked by growth and exploration, wherein the communities and contexts youth find themselves in can either support this process and help them reach their potential, or they act as barriers that hinders them from becoming successful individuals and citizens. In the MENA region, this transition is fraught with numerous challenges that threaten to impede the realization of youth potential and hinder societal progress.
Economic hardships, political instability, and rampant unemployment are some of these challenges, casting a shadow over the aspirations of Arab youth. Compounded by low trust in government institutions and the destabilizing effects of violent conflicts and displacement, the journey to adulthood is fraught with uncertainty and adversity.
Moreover, the pervasive influence of social media, while offering avenues for expression and activism, has a negative impact on youths mental health. With Arab youth spending an average of 3.5 hours per day on social media, the impact on well-being is profound, with feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and negative body image increasing (Economy Middle East, 2023). 61% of youth agree that social media impacts their mental health negatively (PR Newswire, 2023).
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Thirty percent of youth aged 15-24 are unemployed and not receiving education, a figure that rises to 42% among young women. The mismatch between job market demands and youth skill sets exacerbates the problem, perpetuating cycles of unemployment. Yet, amidst these challenges lies a reservoir of untapped potential. With 47% of the youth population under the age of 24, totaling more than 250 million individuals, that if harnessed effectively, can drive economic growth, promote equity, and foster societal resilience (Unicef, 2023).
In response to these challenges, we initiated our program Arab Youth Visionaries, providing online and on-ground training, workshops, and conferences, aimed at equipping youth with the tools and skills necessary for personal development and community engagement. By fostering networks and platforms for dialogue, Arab Youth Visionaries empower youth to voice their opinions and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The testimonials of our youth participants underscores the transformative impact of our initiative. As one participant eloquently stated:
“I used to care mostly about my studies, my friends and peers, but I learned that I have a much bigger role to participate in. I have a heavenly purpose set to me by God; I am required to have an influence, to carry a message, in order to live a fulfilling life with meaning and purpose.”
In conclusion, the imperative to invest in Arab youth has never been more pressing. By addressing the challenges they face and equipping the youth with necessary skills and mindsets to have an active part in building their communities we not only secure a brighter future for the region but also empower a generation to lead with purpose and resilience.

