The beginning of year 2011 has been marked by a series of changes in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). These are believed to be, inter alia, the result of unequal access to economic opportunities and social welfare as well as high unemployment rates mainly among the young.
Over the next ten years, the Arab economies are expected to provide gainful employment to tens of millions, alleviate poverty, address food and water security risks. In addition, there is a need to drive sustained economic growth and to ensure that the Youth participation are further included in political agendas as well as. Furthermore, young people should be granted a fair access to employment. The financial and food crisis instability in the region render the issues even more urgent to tackle.
The changes occurring in the region have brought the United Nations Development Group, Regional and specialized institutions to put youth development at the top of the agenda and/or to accelerate programmes for job
creation. In this context, it was deemed necessary that UNIDO organizes a regional young table to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing youth social and economic entrepreneurship, and to better respond to the strategic needs for ensuring youth participation in the economic development and growth in the region.
The Round Table will:
- Offer a platform for discussions and experience sharing on the role Youth could play in inclusive growth and economic development.
- Provide policy advice for the Arab countries and stakeholders on promoting the principles of industrial development that ensures the safety of human health and the ecological integrity of our planet.
- Highlight the concept of sustainable industrial development that contributes to job creation along with social and environmental responsibility that can also be part of the solution.
- Promote small scale and youth led initiatives financially supported through micro credit schemes that play a vital role in poverty reduction.
Key issues
Challenges and opportunities for youth: the governmental options and the
role of UNIDO within its mandate
The following questions would be raised:
- What is the prevailing situation in the Arab world as regard youth employment opportunities?
- What is the role of UNIDO in supporting governments at the macro, meso and micro levels to ensure that appropriate policies are implemented. How could UNIDO strengthen its partnerships with international companies to provide training to youth and facilitate access to labour markets?
- What factors could be considered for promoting sustainable employment in line with environmental and social responsibility?
- What are the possibilities to encourage dialogue and knowledge transfer among universities, research institutions, R&D and private sector in partnership with both western companies and youth for upgrading their skills and gaining job requirements experience?
The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Nejib Friji, Director, UN Information Centre (UNIC), Bahrain, Qatar and UAE. Panelists include: Ahmed M. Darwish, former Minister of State for Administrative Development, Egypt; Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Chairman Board of Trustees Arab Regional Center for Entrepreneurship and Investment Training, Bahrain; Mohanad El Assaad, Executive Director, Transtec Company and President of the Belgium–Lebanese Business Council, Lebanon; Riyadh Alrabiah, Managing Director, Ranco Group, Saudi Arabia; Said Mouline, Director-General, National Agency for Renewable Energy Promotion and Energy Efficiency (ADEREE), Morocco.
Date and venue
14:30h – 16:00h, 29 November 2011
Vienna International Centre
M Building /Board Room A
For more information about the Round Table, please contact:
MS. FADIA NASSAR
Arab Programme
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Tel: +43 1 260 26 3781
Fax: +43 1 260 26 6848
Email: f.nassar@unido.org
