* Alarab Newspaper published a report indicating that citizens in the MENA region are increasingly concerned about the future of democracy. Over the past decade, and especially during the last five years, there has been a significant increase in the degree of citizens' belief that democratic systems do not provide optimal solutions to the issues of economic performance, social stability and decision-making. A recent poll conducted earlier this month shows that Arab youth no longer believe in democracy. The citizens of the region seek to find solutions to the major problems they suffer in their lives. These problems include, but are not limited to, economic recession, high unemployment rates, high cost of living, and internal instability in some countries.

* The United Nations Security Council called to expedite the formation of a new government in Lebanon to implement the necessary reforms. The council also encouraged measures to promote the participation of youth and to enhance women's full, equal, and meaningful political representation, including in the new government. 

* CNBC published its interview with King Abdullah II of Jordan. In the interview, King Abdullah said administrative reform is the more long-term, challenging aspect, noting that countries all over the world have to deal with it, yet Jordan’s goals cannot be achieved without administrative reform, which is also key in the fight against corruption. He also spoke about the need to enhance public trust in political parties, and encourage the engagement of youth in partisan life, stressing the role of young people in advancing democracy in Jordan, and highlighting the importance of responsible freedom of expression.

* Tony Blair Institute published a report illustrating that in the face of enduring challenges in the Middle East, its leadership and the majority of its people remained resolute toward modernization, yet, the extent to which it is being recognized in the West remains questionable. A poll by the Institute suggests that the West does not acknowledge these advancements, and that there are widely held misconceptions, outdated thinking and deep-seated pessimism about the Middle East among the public in Western countries. The report adds that many people in the Middle East want to see their youthful populations educated in the science, technology, and innovation sectors, with a view to preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow.

* Dr. Hassan Abu Taleb wrote for Al-Sharq Al-Awsat that the issue of youth in Sudan, in moments of protest and anger or in moments of relative calm, sums up the suffering that Sudan has been going through for more than four decades. All political forces claim to speak on behalf of the youth of Sudan. He adds that the general picture is full of gaps, disagreements, and disparities in a way that does not exclude anyone.

* This finding from the 13th edition of the annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey was announced. The survey finds that an overwhelming majority (92%) of young Saudis, who form about two-thirds of Saudi Arabia’s population, see the United States as an ally of their nation. This is the highest level in five years. In 2020, 87% of Saudi youth viewed the US as an ally, up from 70% in 2019 and 50% in 2018.

* Six million first-time voters are set to effectively decide whether to extend President Tayyip Erdogan's rule into a third decade or to opt for something they have never known - Turkey under a different leader. Less than 12 months away from the biggest election in the country's modern history, a big majority of young Turks say they want change but remain somewhat skeptical that the opposition can properly improve the job situation, schools, and freedoms. At about 12% of all voters in the presidential and parliamentary elections set for June 2023, youth will be decisive in these elections. Turks between 18-23 years old  show that justice, immigration, merit-based jobs, and transparent economic policies are their top priorities.