* Youth unemployment in the MENA region stands at 27%, twice the global average of 13.6% according to a report by the Arab Development Portal. Emirati youth working under an initiative by Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education are attempting to tackle this challenge and to design innovative solutions to the youth unemployment problem. This initiative gathered a number of young Emiratis in a bootcamp for innovation, for which Mehna project won the first place. The first, second, third, and fourth place team initiatives will be incubated at the UAEU Science and Innovation Park to upscale their capacities. 

* MENA Media Monitor reported on May 18 that Turkish youth are stuck between violence, migration, and suicide attributed to poverty and politics. The report places emphasis on the increasing rates of divorce in Turkey along with the decreasing rates of marriage, as living expenses are increasing at a very high rate. The report also finds that there is an increase in the levels of violence against women in Turkey and attributes that to poverty and lack of protection measures by the Turkish law. Finally, the report indicates that 39.8% of Turkish people are at the brink of poverty or social exclusion. 

* The Economic Affairs Committee at Egyptian Youth Party Coordination published an infographic explaining how the Israeli government works on weakening the Palestinian economy. The infographic illustrates a number of factors that Israel relies on to develop its economy and limit the economy of Palestine. These factors include: the widening of settlements to increase the number of migrants into Israel; utilizing the conflict to destroy Palestinian properties; and continuing on their blockade of Palestinian lands which limits any prospects for trade, among others. 

* Under the National Initiative for Human Development in Morocco, the M'Rirt province established a youth training and guidance center that will work toward youth’s economic engagement in the province. The center will cater to youth aged 18-45 in the province, and it includes facilities for communication, guidance, capacity building, and other relevant facilities. 

* On May 20, Arab News reported on the ongoing economic struggles in Turkey, with job losses and debt issues, leaving Turkish youth feeling the pinch. A report by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) indicates that 7 out of 10 Turks aged 15 to 24 are unemployed and rely on their families and that 80% of unemployed Turks feel alienated from society. The report also states that 6 million potential workers aged 15 – 29 are unemployed and uneducated and 20% of university graduates are without work and feel hopeless of finding a job. 

* Young Moroccans in Bni Bouayach established a small company specializing in smart solutions and digital services as the first of its kind in the town. Bni Bouayach is considered one of the most disadvantaged towns in Morocco. 

* Dostor reported on May 21 that micro projects in Egypt are a good opportunity for youth employment, especially food trucks. The report indicated that such projects present an opportunity to the state to address the issue of unemployment, for banks to finance these projects, and for factories to manufacture more trucks.