Youth are among the most marginalized groups in the Arab region. Despite being one of the largest demographic segments, they face the risk of exclusion from social and economic participation, particularly after graduation, leaving them vulnerable to numerous challenges.
On 2 and 3 December , ESCWA, the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Egypt and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, held a policy conference titled "From Learning to Earning: How Can Policies Support Youth Transition to the Labour Market?" as part of Josour. The conference brought together policymakers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Morocco, and Tunisia, alongside many representatives from relevant ministries, universities, and youth groups in Egypt.
Participants explored the experiences of the four countries in addressing youth unemployment and highlighted policies that enhance young people's skills for employment or entrepreneurship. It also discussed best practices that could be adapted to Egypt's local context.
The four conference sessions concluded with a set of key messages centered around the following themes: Vocational training versus cash assistance determining the most suitable approach to prepare youth for employment, creating formal job opportunities for young people, empowering youth to become successful entrepreneurs and the importance of social protection for youth unable to enter the labour market.
Participants expressed significant interest in innovative tools for engaging with youth and delivering both virtual and in-person training services tailored to their circumstances, capacities, and environments. The discussions also highlighted the importance of coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders to design effective policies aimed at reducing youth unemployment rates, while emphasizing the need for partnerships with the private sector to maximize its role in addressing this issue.
