MENARY Monitor – Edition 138
December 17, 2023
Politics and Political Engagement
A study by the Egyptian Center for Thought and Strategic Studies affirms that the 2024 Egyptian presidential elections witnessed “historic and substantial” citizen turnout at polling stations. The report highlights that youth demonstrated remarkable engagement, actively participating and showcasing a positive role in various aspects of the electoral process. Initiatives such as youth conferences, the World Youth Forum, and the National Academy for Training and Qualification played crucial roles in developing youth capabilities and interest in political participation, as the report suggests. On the societal engagement and civil development front, the state facilitated avenues for positive youth contributions to societal development by promoting civil work. The study also highlights political mechanisms that have enhanced youth participation, such as the “National Dialogue,” which saw substantial youth representation, reinforcing their presence in the political scene. National dialogue sessions included diverse political forces, providing a platform for youth to increase awareness and gain experience by participating in discussions on national issues and offering various perspectives.
Egypt’s youth receive praise for their “political maturity and commitment,” as the country witnesses what is believed to be its highest-ever voter turnout for a presidential election. Younger voters constituted a significant portion of the 65 percent participation rate, described as “unprecedented” by the National Elections Authority. The results, expected to favor incumbent President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for a third term, will be announced soon. Parliamentary deputy Tarek El-Khouly attributes the high turnout to the youth’s eagerness and positive engagement, emphasizing their active roles in monitoring and participating in the historic race. The significant youth involvement is seen as a positive sign for Egypt’s future, reflecting years of efforts to integrate the younger generation into the political landscape.
In Egypt, many young men and women, members of various political parties and volunteers, demonstrated their commitment to assisting older voters and those with disabilities in accessing polling stations. Youth from political parties formed two teams – one to locate the committee’s headquarters, and the other to accompany elderly individuals to the entrance of the committee. After completing the voting process, the youth captured commemorative photos in front of the committees.
Jordan’s Minister of Youth, Mohammed Al-Nabulsi, launched the activities of the “Youth Leadership Qualification” Program, organized by the Ministry in partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Al-Nabulsi explained that the goal of this program is to qualify Arab youth for leadership and decision-making roles. He noted that the Ministry considered postponing the program due to the current regional circumstances. However, the ministry deemed it necessary to equip Arab youth with the knowledge of the situation and the ability to make appropriate decisions in the face of existing challenges. The program aims to exchange experiences between Jordanian and Gulf youth.
Economics and Entrepreneurship
The Shorbeen Center Presidency in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, in collaboration with the Youth Graduates Agency, held a seminar to promote the culture of freelancing. The seminar focused on encouraging youth to activate the role of freelancing, reduce unemployment, and provide job opportunities for young people in private companies through the Youth Graduates Agency at the center or the agency’s main office in Dakahlia Governorate.
The Minister of Youth in the Government of National Unity, Libya, Fathallah Al-Zeni, participated in the 8th ministerial meeting of the Steering Committee of the Youth Communication Organization, attended by 30 ministers from African countries, as part of the second day of the Sixth Africa Youth Summit held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The meeting discussed the 2030 strategic plan of the Youth Communication Organization, which operates in 32 African countries, aiming to connect the continent’s youth for economic and social transformation, empowering them by enhancing their knowledge, experiences, and investing in their ideas, innovations, and initiatives. Libya is participating for the first time in the African Youth Summit, the largest gathering of African youth, according to a statement released by the ministry.
Conflict
The Palestinian Football Association has issued a report documenting violations committed by Israeli forces between October 7 and December 6 against Palestinian athletes, particularly football players, and sports figures including club presidents, administrators, and referees. According to the report, 85 individuals were killed, including 18 children and 37 young adults. Additionally, four players in Gaza were injured. Israeli airstrikes led to the destruction of nine sports facilities, four in the West Bank and five in Gaza. The report also noted the arbitrary arrest of three athletes in the West Bank, with an indeterminate number in Gaza due to the high number of missing individuals.
An international network has projected a rise in the number of people in need of food assistance in Yemen to 19 million by mid-next year, with an additional one million individuals slipping into the abyss of famine. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), in its December 2023 analysis on expected food aid requirements in the countries it covers, stated that Yemen is expected to top the list of 31 nations, with the highest number of people in need of humanitarian food assistance by June 2024, followed by Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The analysis revealed that the Yemeni population in urgent need of immediate food aid will increase from around 18 million in December 2023 to 19 million in June 2024. The analysis noted that the temporary suspension of the World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian aid program in Houthi-controlled areas, along with the continued economic deterioration in internationally recognized government-controlled regions, will exacerbate the acute food insecurity situation, reaching its highest level by June next year, classified as an emergency (Phase 4) for millions of people.
Development
The Youth and Community Police course concluded at the Kafr Khall Youth Center in Jordan, organized by the Ministry of Youth, in collaboration with the General Security Directorate. The event was attended by 26 young men and women. Major Shahab, the Head of the Community Police Department, emphasized the role of community police in building society, highlighting the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and citizens. He stressed the need for cooperation to reduce various forms of crime, contribute to the discovery and prevention of crime, and emphasized the positive impact on society. The head of the youth directorate in Jarash called for the organization of more courses and workshops regularly in universities, schools, and civil society institutions for the significant benefits in awareness and education.
Environment
The Egyptian Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmin Fouad, met with the Egyptian youth negotiators participating in the COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai. The meeting discussed Egypt’s pioneering youth-led delegation, a result of Egypt’s presidency of COP27, supporting youth involvement in climate discussions. The minister commended the selected young Egyptians, highlighting their role in presenting a positive image of informed Egyptian youth on global issues and innovative solutions. The youth delegation, EGYouth4Climate, works to enhance youth capabilities in climate action, providing training and representation opportunities.
On the COP28 theme day “Empowering Youth for a Green Future: Fostering Green Competencies and Collaboration,” World Vision UK sheds light on the challenging situation facing youth in the Middle East. According to its report “Growing up in the Climate Crisis,” children and young people in the Middle East experience more frequent “climate shocks” like sandstorms, heat waves, and water shortages. The region, including climatic hotspots like Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, has been severely affected by the climate crisis, including water scarcity exacerbating chronic water shortages. The report, based on surveys of 1,095 children and young people in the region, reveals that climate change is increasing food insecurity and hindering access to water. Over 90% of children in Syria and Lebanon report receiving insufficient food, and 94% face difficulties accessing drinking water. Many young people expressed their desire to address climate change proactively, but there is a need for suitable platforms and opportunities for them to engage in collective action.
Addressing the increasing demand for skilled labor in the green energy sector amid the economic transition envisioned in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Mohammad Abunayyan, founder and chairman of ACWA Power, emphasized the importance of equipping the youth with knowledge and talent. Speaking at the Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh, Abunayyan stressed the need for a robust foundation to navigate the shift to the new economy, rendering the old industry and economy less relevant. He encouraged the incorporation of technical institutes in major projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiyah to prepare young talent for the evolving landscape. Abunayyan highlighted the overwhelming response to ACWA Power’s technical institute, receiving over 150,000 applications for just 500 seats, underscoring the strong willingness of the nation’s youth to contribute to the energy transition.
In a showcase of innovation and environmental commitment, the Arab Youth Hackathon, led by PepsiCo and the Arab Youth Center, concluded its inaugural edition at COP28 in Dubai. Among the winners, Green Taqa from Lebanon claimed first place with their inventive waste-to-energy solution, while Cropsense from Saudi Arabia secured the runner-up position with an AI-generated system for farmers. Luxeed Robotics from Lebanon secured third place with their advanced technology for organic farming. The three winning teams will receive equity-free seed funds from the PepsiCo Foundation, totaling $30,000, $20,000, and $10,000 for the winner, runner-up, and second runner-up, respectively. Additionally, they will partake in a one-month incubation program to further develop and scale their impactful ideas.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the “Youth for Sustainability” platform hosted the “Youth for Sustainability” Forum, a prominent Emirati initiative focusing on empowering youth in the field of sustainability. The forum, held during the Youth, Children, Education, and Skills Day, as part of the COP28 conference, featured a program filled with activities and discussions that emphasized empowering youth and activating their role in climate action. The forum opened with a youth discussion session urging young people to focus on three key factors affecting energy supplies: the environment, cost, and supply security. The forum highlighted the importance of youth participation in addressing the climate change crisis and featured elite speakers, experts, and sector leaders, focusing on empowering the next generation to become leaders of sustainability in the future. The extensive discussion sessions during the forum covered various topics, including the role of the “Youth for Sustainability” platform in promoting climate action, the impact of startups, and the role of youth as supporters of climate policies.
Egyptian youth with winning projects in the National Smart Green Projects initiative participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, in the UAE. Their participation in various meetings showcased projects that not only received acclaim but also garnered support from several investors for their implementation. These projects demonstrated creative and innovative ideas, making the initiative and its projects a leading model for mobilizing climate action and maximizing the use of state resources through the use of information technology to support the country’s digital transformation plan. The projects aim to empower women and youth in facing climate change challenges and contribute to adopting a sustainable approach based on smart technology for achieving sustainable development.
The Egyptian National Planning Institute held its second seminar for young researchers for the academic year 2023-2024, titled “The Future of Water in Egypt: Water Security Policies Beyond the Renaissance Dam.” The seminar addressed challenges of water scarcity in Egypt, historical adaptation in water resource management, and future challenges post-Renaissance Dam. The session, attended by academics, researchers, and Ministry of Environment representatives, highlighted the challenges of water scarcity, population growth, agricultural expansion, and climate change, emphasizing the policy measures to secure Egypt’s water needs effectively and sustainably, especially after the construction of the Renaissance Dam.
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2023 – Fourth Quarter
MENARY Monitor – Edition 137
December 10, 2023
Politics and Political Engagement
The Observer newspaper reported providing insights into the world of angry armed youth in the occupied West Bank. The report quotes analysts and officials stating that these young individuals are markedly different from their predecessors. The report claims that armed Palestinian youth in the West Bank also differ from their counterparts in Hamas in Gaza. The report highlights the escalating confrontations between Palestinian youth and the Israeli army in the West Bank. The Observer conducted interviews with ten armed youth in the cities of Nablus and Jenin in the West Bank, claiming it was sufficient to understand the new wave of armed activity in the occupied Palestinian territories. All the interviewed youths stated that their ultimate goal is to liberate Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. H.A. Hillier, of Carnegie, believes that ideology played a minor role in the decision of West Bank youth to bear arms. There is a notable shift in the perspective of the new generation of Palestinian youth in the West Bank compared to the views of previous generations regarding resistance operations. Among the changes is the use of social media by “splinter” factions, like the group called the “Black Den,” in their struggle against Israel. The report suggests that several analysts speak of the current youth’s disappointment with the older Palestinian politicians, perceived as “collaborators” with Israel, leaving a void filled by armed groups. Political commentator and analyst in Ramallah, Noor Odeh, states that these youth speak a language not spoken by the older leaders, using satire and humor, adding that they are a generation tired of everyone, frustrated, and disillusioned.
Jordanian youth have launched an initiative named “Jordanians with Palestine” to support the stance of Jordan, its leadership, and people on the Palestinian cause. The initiative aims to combat rumors circulating on social media, dispel doubts about Jordan’s consistent stance on the Palestinian issue, and clarify facts based on international law. The youth declared the launch of a digital campaign with the hashtag #JordanSupportsPalestine, sharing videos and tweets condemning Israel’s plans to displace Palestinians to Jordan and crafting a document denouncing Israeli crimes against Gaza, translated into various languages. The document reaffirms Jordanian support for Palestine, the defense of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem. It also expresses solidarity with Palestinians. The initiative underscores unwavering support for Jordan’s leadership in defending Palestine, highlighting the historical significance of the Hashemite leadership’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
On November 25, Al-Wasatiya Youth Center in Irbid, Jordan, organized a dialogue session on “Youth Political Participation,” attended by 30 young men and women. Qusay Al-Zoubi from the Ministry of Political Development emphasized the importance of enhancing political and democratic awareness among youth, preparing them to build their future, and involving various societal groups, especially young people, in fostering an informed democratic culture. He highlighted examples of youth engagement in political and democratic practices within centers, schools, and student parliaments, stressing the need for youth to actively participate in politics, engage in positive dialogue, accept others’ opinions, and contribute to developing democratic concepts. Al-Zoubi underscored that the foundation of political life lies in youth participation in various dialogical programs, making them integral to the decision-making process.
A delegation from the Aden Youth Consultations Group (AYC) presented its updated youth vision for halting the war and achieving peace to Edward Jackson, the Director of the UN Envoy’s Office in Aden. The group discussed the importance of youth involvement in the political process, particularly in upcoming political negotiations and peace-building stages. The discussions covered crucial issues concerning youth amid rapid changes, aligning with the group’s foundational and updated visions. This activity follows the group’s intensive training on UN peacebuilding mechanisms and negotiation skills, contributing a youthful perspective to shaping Yemen’s peace trajectory. The group, building on its updated vision and feedback, plans to develop a comprehensive peace map considering political developments, with a focus on political events and ongoing readings.
Dr. Mahmoud Hussein, President of the Union of Egyptian Youth Abroad, met with Minister of Immigration Saha Elgendy to enhance collaboration. They discussed the Union’s activities, preparations for upcoming presidential elections for Egyptians abroad, and ways to facilitate their participation. He emphasized the union’s efforts in mobilizing members globally for the elections, aiming to portray Egypt positively. The Board of Directors, comprising 3,000 young Egyptians worldwide, seeks to serve the community within legal frameworks.
Economics and Entrepreneurship
Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, the economic boycott campaign against Israel has gained popularity among Tunisian youth. The campaign focuses on raising awareness about all brands that pay taxes to countries militarily supporting Israel, including those openly endorsing direct support for the Israeli military. Tunisians actively share images and information on social media about companies to be boycotted, expressing hope for the sustainability of the boycott beyond a temporary measure. Sales of products from boycotted companies have noticeably declined, prompting these companies to offer significant discounts and tempting promotions to boost sales. Meanwhile, franchise owners of global brands, such as fast-food outlets, soft drinks, sportswear, and others, have urged consumers to understand that most ingredients are locally sourced, emphasizing that their livelihoods could be affected by the boycott. However, economists and experts have clarified through social media and news outlets that although franchise owners may not directly send profits to Israel, the annual franchise fee paid to the parent company contributes to the overall profits, including a portion for the local company holding the franchise.
The Jordanian Center for Labor Rights, known as “Workers’ House,” released its annual report, spotlighting challenges in the Jordanian labor market. The report reveals a decline in the national economy’s capacity to generate jobs, with persistently high unemployment rates, reaching an unprecedented 47% among the youth. Factors contributing to this include an annual influx of new job seekers, economic conditions, insufficient investment, and a lack of programs aiding the transition from education to employment. Long-term unemployment affects 65.5 percent of job seekers, disproportionately impacting women at 72.3 percent. The report also highlights issues such as excessive working hours, low monthly earnings, and non-implementation of a raised minimum wage, emphasizing the need for improved working conditions and fair wages in compliance with labor laws and constitutional obligations.
Lebanon introduced a national online learning platform, “Forastech,” offering affordable and accessible digital skills education for young people. Developed under the PROSPECTS Program with funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the platform is endorsed by global tech leaders like Microsoft, LinkedIn, and AWS. Certificates from these industry giants aim to enhance skills and provide access to specialized job opportunities. UNICEF and the World Bank launched Forastech to empower Lebanese youth aged 17-32 from diverse backgrounds, addressing the talent gap and developing digital skillsets. The initiative garnered support from Prime Minister Najib Mikati, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth capabilities for Lebanon’s lasting wealth. The platform, implemented by Forward MENA, collaborates with various ministries to cater to vulnerable youth, offering career guidance, job-matching, and free training courses with the goal of supporting 5,000 eligible youth and providing meaningful career opportunities.
Street vendors have returned to the frontage of markets and streets in Casablanca, Morocco, after the authorities’ decision to ban them. A debate has surfaced regarding the fate of these street vendors who will be deprived of practicing their activities. Opinions vary between those favoring the decision to clear the streets of street vendors and those questioning alternative employment opportunities for them amid widespread unemployment. Mohamed Zahabi, the Secretary-General of Entrepreneurship and Professions, believes that organizing street vendors could have been addressed before their numbers became significant. He suggests establishing model markets to accommodate street vendors, providing industrial zones for them, and proposing tax exemptions, emphasizing the need to diversify the activities of street vendors and provide solutions for them. Former president of the National Agricultural Association, Mohamed El Hakch, argues that street vending serves as a refuge for many young people and women in cities and rural areas, especially with a national unemployment rate of 13.5%, according to the High Commission for Planning. The Economic and Social Council notes that the number of street vendors is increasing at a pace the authorities cannot regulate, considering that unemployment, migration from rural areas, and education system imbalances contribute to the expansion of street vending. The council emphasizes that while street vending provides an outlet for national production and employs a large number of poorly qualified workers, its spread exacerbates fragility in the job market, poses unfair competition to the official sector, and causes the state to lose significant tax revenues.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has called on the European Union to provide assistance in addressing irregular migration issues, highlighting the urgency as young lives are lost in the Mediterranean. Speaking at the Conference of Labor Ministers from Sahel and Sahara Countries in Tripoli, Dbeibah emphasized the need for international collaboration, stating that the migration crisis is a shared concern. The conference, attended by representatives from the UN, EU, and various nations, aims to strengthen cooperation on labor-related challenges and discuss topics such as labor market regulation, economic partnerships, border security, and irregular migration.
Conflict
On October 18, the number of civilians killed in the West Bank reached 62 since October 7th, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This was reported after a young man from Beit Rima succumbed to critical injuries inflicted by Israeli forces’ live ammunition in the village of Al-Nabi Saleh. Local sources reported clashes with Israeli forces in Al-Nabi Saleh, resulting in two young men being shot, with one later pronounced dead. Another young man was shot during confrontations in the Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. The clashes involved live ammunition, tear gas, and sound bombs, leading to injuries and hospitalizations. Additionally, a child was shot with live ammunition during the Israeli forces’ suppression of a protest in Beit Ummar.
Israeli occupation forces targeted a house in the Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm, on the evening of October 19. Local sources reported that the occupation forces, continuing their aggression on the camp since early morning, besieged and shelled a house with a shell, preventing ambulance crews from reaching it. The same sources added that the occupation forces then proceeded to demolish the three-story Youth Club Center in the camp. Following these incidents, a peaceful demonstration began from the center of Tulkarm towards the Nour Shams camp, with participants demanding the lifting of the Israeli blockade on the camp and expressing solidarity with its residents.
In the West Bank, Palestinians, along with Israeli activists, accused an army unit called “Hills Youth” and settlers of detaining and torturing them, stripping them naked and urinating on two Palestinians, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The Israeli soldiers and settlers detained three Palestinians, bound and stripped them, urinated on two, and extinguished lit cigarettes on their bodies. Meanwhile, soldiers arrested left-wing Israeli activists, threatening them with death. The Israelis were released after 3 hours, but the Palestinians were only released in the evening after being robbed and taken to a hospital in Ramallah. Witnesses, including Palestinians and Israeli activists, condemned the violent incident, drawing parallels to Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The settlers, heavily armed, have a documented history of violence, blurring the line between them and soldiers, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
In a surge of violent incidents, 23-year-old Palestinian Yazan Atef Sandiani was fatally shot in Jabal Hamouda, Nazareth, in late October. Sandiani was initially taken to the hospital in critical condition, but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, in Haifa, a 25-year-old man sustained serious injuries in a separate shooting. Medical teams from Magen David Adom provided initial treatment before transferring him to Rambam Hospital for further care. Police have initiated investigations into the two separate crimes, with no reported arrests. The incidents add to the escalating violence and organized crime in the Arab community, marked by a record-high toll of 199 Arab victims, including 15 women, since the beginning of the year.
Israeli forces have intensified their presence in Jenin and invaded Nablus, Hebron, and Jericho. On October 27, Israeli forces invaded several West Bank cities, resulting in killing a 24-year-old Palestinian from Janin Refugee Camp along with several injuries, as reported by the Palestinian Red Crescent. With that, the death toll of civilians in the West Bank since October 7 reached 110, with 1,900 injuries.
On November 11, the French newspaper Libération reports that the Palestinian territories, under the authority of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, have been stirred by a wave of anger against Israeli occupation brutality since October 7. Fueled by skyrocketing unemployment, inflation, and images of the Gaza bombardment reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba, even those previously skeptical of resistance now see freedom as non-negotiable. According to the report by special correspondent Laurence Defranoux, the concrete wall surrounding the West Bank has severely tightened its grip on Palestinian youth since October 7, with Israeli soldiers targeting anyone seeking information, subjecting them to hours of waiting before reopening roads. The impact of the October 7 attack by Hamas, though executed in Gaza, resonates significantly in the West Bank governed by Fatah, where 3 million people, two-thirds of whom are under 30, grapple with a 44% youth unemployment rate in 2019. The conflict in Gaza caused, within a month, a quarter of jobs lost in the West Bank, around 208,000 additional unemployed, amidst soaring living costs. The Israeli army strikes Jenin refugee camp, a stronghold of armed resistance in the West Bank, almost every night, resulting in about 30 deaths in two weeks.
In 2019, Iraq’s former Prime Minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, claimed that drugs were entering Iraq from “Argentina,” a statement widely mocked by Iraqis. Despite earlier admissions by officials that most drugs come from Iran, the term “Argentina” became a symbol for Iran’s role in Iraq’s drug trade. Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari acknowledged the problem, stating that drugs are still smuggled through weaknesses in the border with Iran. He revealed a recent drug seizure incident and admitted another passage at the Iraqi-Iranian border. Al-Shammari also noted that drugs are smuggled to Gulf countries, and criminal groups plan to smuggle drugs to Europe and back to the Gulf. This issue is known but not openly acknowledged due to Iran’s influence. The report by Akhbar Alaan highlights that over 50% of Iraqi youth are drug users, indicating that drugs is Iran’s weapon in Iraq.
Development
Blinx, a new digital media hub, has been launched to cater to Middle Eastern youth, providing digital storytelling and news content across various screens and devices. The platform focuses on delivering fresh perspectives, aiming to reshape digital storytelling in the region with a vibrant and youthful approach. Blinx emphasizes authentic and diverse narratives, committed to producing inclusive and culturally relevant content spanning genres like entertainment, news, business, lifestyle, sports, and more. Blinx is dedicated to nurturing emerging talent, employing around 150 young professionals from the MENA region. The platform incorporates cutting-edge technology, including metaverse and reality studios, AI-enhanced tools, and advanced data analytics, to enhance user engagement. Blinx also pledges to uphold journalistic integrity by avoiding fake news and misinformation, focusing on empowering the creator economy and supporting causes important to Gen Z and Millennials in the region.
In response to widespread demands from content creators and social media users for an alternative to restricted platforms, the Jordanian social media application “Releaser” has emerged as a global platform committed to freedom of expression. The app’s management, in an exclusive statement to Sawalif, announced a strategic focus on supporting content creators, influencers, and users in conveying authentic perspectives without constraints. Releaser aims to be the first global Arabic platform of its kind, emphasizing freedom of expression and promoting Arab-Islamic content within the guidelines of social media. The platform has offered a reward of 1,000 Jordanian dinars for content creators and journalists, with a budget exceeding ten million Jordanian dinars allocated for marketing and supporting their content on Releaser. Launched in February 2023, Releaser is positioned as a professional platform for sharing official statements and news by companies, brands, and individuals, offering a unique social experience. The app is available in over 170 countries worldwide on both Google and Apple app stores.
A youth-led initiative, established in 2019, is empowering street art enthusiasts through innovative workshops, providing a stepping stone for emerging street artists and a unique platform for creative expression in Jordan. Dedicated to highlighting the vibrant world of youth street art and hip-hop in Jordan, the initiative seeks to celebrate diverse expressions often hidden by traditional cultural norms. Founders Alaeddin Rahmeh and Hannah Redekop aim to foster and uplift Jordan’s growing street art and hip-hop community as a catalyst for positive social change. Recent projects include street art workshops led by artist Yamen Hattab, offering participants an opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of street art and graffiti, explore color theory, sketching techniques, and scaling, and create their own wall murals.
The Directorate of Youth and Sports in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, organized an awareness seminar on the role of social media in shaping political awareness among youth, with the participation of 40 young men and women from youth centers. The event focused on the impact of social media on youth and society. Dr. Mohamed Abu El-Saud, a lecturer at the Faculty of Education at Kafr El-Sheikh University, highlighted that social media affects human and family relationships, influencing the psychological state of its users. While it serves as a beneficial means for communication, advertising, and quick feedback, excessive use without a specific goal can be a time-wasting distraction, particularly for youth. Additionally, it can compromise privacy, negatively affect health, and contribute to the prevalence of social alienation among those who spend prolonged periods using it.
Environment
Jordanian youth are advocating for the recognition of climate change as an agricultural risk and urging society to perceive addressing climate change as an opportunity for growth, not just a challenge. Over 200 Jordanian youth gathered for the 2023 Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY) in Amman, on October 4, for three days, to discuss the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable, green growth. The conference produced the Youth Statement on climate change to be presented at COP28 in Dubai.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Innovation Center concluded the third batch of the “Clean Energy Youth” program, aimed at developing knowledge in clean and renewable energy, as well as entrepreneurship among young energy leaders. The participants showcased innovative projects during the first edition of the “Middle East and North Africa Solar Energy Conference.” Said Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of the authority, emphasized their commitment to empowering youth, encouraging their involvement in clean and renewable energy, and fostering partnerships to accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality.
Youth climate delegates from across the MENA region are actively participating in COP28 in Dubai. Led by COP28 Youth Climate Champion Shamma Al Mazrui, the program welcomed 100 delegates to the conference. Among them is Emirati Hoor Ahli, a 19-year-old Youth Climate Delegate with experiences at previous COP edition. Mahmoud Saad Radaideh, a climate justice assistant from Jordan, emphasizes the urgent need for a drought management system in Jordan. Sara Badran from Lebanon discusses the impact of rising temperatures on Lebanon’s iconic cedar trees, and Houyame Hakmi from Morocco highlights the importance of environmental advocacy in shaping public policy. Oumar Cisse from Mauritania addresses desertification issues and advocates for reforestation efforts through innovative techniques like seedball technology.
The Arab Youth Center launched the event “Sustainability in Arab Culture,” in collaboration with the “Arab Youth Language Council,” during the COP 28 conference hosted by the UAE. The event showcased the ancient roots of environmental sustainability in Arab culture, culminating in current day practices and government projects. The event featured a youth discussion session, addressing the sustainability of Arab culture that has endured for thousands of years. It also explored the relationship between biodiversity and linguistic diversity, discussing endangered languages listed in UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger. The event concluded with the launch of the “Arab Glossary of Environmental Terms,” a collaboration between the Arab Youth Language Council, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center. The glossary aims to provide a scientifically and linguistically accurate reference for environmental terms in English and their Arabic equivalents. The first chapter, focusing on “Environmental Quality Terms,” was approved, with ongoing efforts to complete subsequent chapters.
The “Youth for Sustainability” platform, an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), announced the winner of the “Innovation for Climate” competition for the year 2023. The judging panel, consisting of a distinguished group of experts, awarded the 2023 competition prize to “INMA” for their project employing artificial intelligence to respond to energy demand. The project connects energy consumers, urging behavior change to avoid wastage and contribute to climate change mitigation. The panel praised the winning project for providing an innovative solution to a real problem, supporting sustainability in the energy sector, and highlighting the potential of combining gaming techniques and the Internet of Things for future qualitative solutions.
The Youth Center at COP28 is showcasing a diverse group of young farmers and their innovative projects focused on sustainable agricultural systems. Saeed Ahmed Al Remeithi, one of the youngest founders of organic farms in the UAE, presented “The Organic Farm,” emphasizing its comprehensive approach, incorporating meat, grains, and vegetables, along with recycling agricultural waste. The project aims to produce healthy organic food and promote awareness of sustainability. Manal Ahmed Al Kaabi’s “My Emirati Beekeepers” project focuses on premium honey production, while Haza Al Kutbi of Al Falaj Farm showcases modern agricultural practices for fig cultivation. Abdullah Suleiman Al Housani contributes with a hydroponic farming project, producing compost fertilizer from recycled waste. The Youth Center, operating under the Ministry of Culture and Youth, offers a platform for youth to exchange ideas on climate change, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to engage youth in finding innovative solutions and drawing global attention to climate issues.
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MENARY Monitor – Edition 127
September 3, 2023
Politics and Political Engagement
Violent clashes erupted in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, leading to the death of a Kurdish protester and injuries to a dozen others. The conflict revolves around the occupation of a building in Kirkuk, previously used by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) but currently held by the Iraqi army since 2017. The central government intends to return the building to the KDP as a goodwill gesture, but Arab and Turkmen opponents established a protest camp outside it. The violence began when a group of Kurdish demonstrators approached the camp, leading to confrontations where stones and metal bars were used as weapons. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani imposed a curfew to prevent further violence and called on political parties and community leaders to maintain security and stability in the area. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the protester’s death and the individuals responsible for the shooting.
The Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament affirmed their commitment to stand by the youth of Kirkuk. He explained that he had been in contact with the Iraqi Prime Minister, the military leadership, and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense concerning the recent situation in Kirkuk. He stressed that there was an attempt to escalate conflict in Kirkuk by certain elements from Hawija, Rashad, and Riyadh, who had previously been involved in assassinating Kurds and Peshmerga forces. He further stated that the future of Kirkuk should not be decided by those outside of it, as its stability has been maintained by its various components until now. In recent events, Kurdish citizens in Kirkuk staged protests, demanding the reopening of the Kirkuk-Erbil Road, which had been closed for five days by a group from the Popular Mobilization Forces with support from the imposed administration in the city. According to the latest statistics, two Kurdish protesters were killed, and six others were injured as a result of gunfire by security forces and affiliated elements of the Popular Mobilization Forces.
Youth from the city of Zawiya in Libya have announced their intent to march on the capital, Tripoli, in a protest demanding the overthrow of the interim Government of National Unity (GNU). The statement, which emphasizes orders from their city’s council of elders, mentions their movement towards Tripoli to topple what they describe as a “Zionist” government. They are joined by youth from the western coast and call on the Libyan Army’s Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Al-Haddad, and Major General Salah Al-Namroush to protect the protesters from armed groups in the capital. Additionally, they demand the release of detained protesters and urge the Attorney General to arrest government members collaborating with “Zionists” according to Libyan law. If the arrests are not carried out promptly, they warn of pursuing and apprehending these individuals themselves. The statement encourages other cities to join their demonstration in the capital.
The Libyan capital saw a significant increase in security measures by the armed forces, aiming to prevent further protests after the interim government’s recent meeting with Israeli counterparts. Military vehicles, some armed with heavy weaponry, lined major roads and intersections, with armed factions’ convoys patrolling the city. The security response followed activist calls for protests against the Government of National Unity (GNU) and Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dbeibah due to the Foreign Minister’s meeting with her Israeli counterpart. Over 16 demonstrators were detained during previous protests, but most were to be released. This security crackdown highlights the GNU’s precarious position amid efforts by Libyan factions to replace it with a new administration. The United Nations shifted its stance, now requiring a unified government as a prerequisite for Libyan elections, complicating the political process. Powerful armed factions in Tripoli support Dbeibah, but clashes last month signaled the risk of renewed warfare. Dbeibah, while rejecting normalization with Israel, sought ties in hopes of US support in Libya’s internal political standoff.
Forty young individuals from the Azilal region are protesting due to being excluded from benefiting from the National Human Development Initiative projects. They claim to have gone through the necessary processes to benefit from these projects, including training and mentoring, and even presented their projects to the selection committee, composed of various authorities at the regional level. The coordinator of the protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the project selection process, stating that out of sixty projects, only twenty were accepted. He also alleged that the selected projects were not up to the mark and that those who benefited from them had connections with elected officials or others who helped get their projects approved. The “excluded” individuals have taken their protest to the capital, Rabat, where they staged a demonstration in front of the parliament. Prior to this, they held a sit-in protest in front of the regional authorities’ office, during which a committee from the authorities met with two of the protesters. However, this meeting did not yield satisfactory results. The protesters stressed that they want to expose all the shortcomings in the process of granting projects through the National Human Development Initiative in the region. They are also calling for the Supreme Audit Institution to intervene, emphasizing their responsibility for what they are advocating.
According to the Asdaa BCW Arab Youth Survey, 100% of Iraqi and Palestinian youth oppose the normalization of relations with Israel. In Libya, 99% of youth opposed it, with 1% showing some support. In Lebanon, 98% strongly opposed, while 2% partially supported. In Saudi Arabia, 98% were strongly against, with 2% partially supporting it, and a very small percentage had limited support. Sudan’s youth strongly opposed it by 97%, with 3% showing partial support. Jordanian youth had 94% strong opposition and 6% partial support. Kuwaiti youth had 86% strong opposition and 14% partial support. Tunisian youth had 85% strong opposition and 13% partial support. Yemeni youth had 81% strong opposition and 19% strong support. Syrian youth had 81% strong opposition and 19% partial support. Algerian youth had 69% strong opposition and 31% partial support. Omani youth had 61% strong opposition and 39% strong support.
The Al-Tura Youth Center in Jordan organized a workshop on the principle of the rule of law, with the participation of 20 young men and women aged 14 to 20. The workshop featured discussions on the importance of the rule of law as the foundation of modern governance. It emphasized that the application of the law is essential for any successful democratic transition. It also provided youth the opportunity to ask questions and gain knowledge on the role of the judicial system for upholding the rule of law.
The Youth and Sports Directorate in Alexandria organized a political education seminar titled “Political Concepts” at the Freedom Youth Center, part of the Central Youth Branch. The seminar covered various political concepts, including the definition of politics, the science of community administration, laws, legislations, and constitutions. It also introduced some political concepts such as liberalism, political freedoms, democracy, the rule of law, and Egyptian identity. The seminar addressed both domestic and foreign politics, the strategies of nations, their goals, and political decisions. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ goal to focus on political education for youth and young leaders and to hold educational seminars to integrate them into political and social life. It aims to nurture a politically aware and educated generation capable of leadership, representation in parliaments, and assuming positions of responsibility. This is achieved by raising awareness among young people and educating them about the political sciences that govern countries through their legislative and executive institutions.
Economics and Entrepreneurship
The North Mazar Youth Center in Jordan organized a “Digital Skills” workshop attended by 20 young people aged 15 to 17. The workshop aimed to provide the youth with a better understanding of digital skills, how to promote business activities, and empower them to build a strategy that enhances their online presence, digital marketing, and other important technology-related topics. The head of the Center emphasized its commitment to developing digital skills among young people, as they align with the requirements of the future job market, where they have become essential for improving the education and training sector. He called for the wide-scale implementation of digital skills training using a demand-driven approach to enhance youth digital skills to meet market demands.
The Youth Empowerment Foundation launched a vocational training program for craftsmen in the directorate of Al-Maqatirah. The program convenes 70 young men and women who will receive theoretical and practical lectures on professional apprenticeship methodologies and occupational safety rules over the period of eight days. This initiative is part of a project aimed at enhancing youth resilience and capacity for self-sufficiency, funded by the Hilton Conrad Foundation. The vocational program covers seven fields, including tailoring, cosmetics and hairdressing, beekeeping and honey production, solar energy system maintenance and installation, vehicle mechanics, automotive electrical work, and iron welding. The program looks to provide youth with valuable skills that enable them to integrate into the job market by participating in workshops and gaining experience in these professions.
Conflict
Hundreds of protesters in Syria’s Suwayda province continued their ongoing demonstrations against the deteriorating economic and living conditions, demanding the “downfall of the regime,” reminiscent of the unprecedented protests that marked the early days of the Syrian revolution in 2011. These protests followed the government’s decision earlier this month to end fuel subsidies amid a severe economic crisis, as the Syrian currency has lost over 99% of its value. The protests initially started in Daraa and Suwayda, but the momentum has continued in Suwayda. Some protesters are shifting their focus from purely economic demands to the need for a political solution. They believe that without a political resolution, there can be no sustainable economic improvement. Politically-mediated efforts are reportedly underway to find ways to calm the situation in Suwayda, involving discussions between local dignitaries and political intermediaries. Some of the protesters are affiliated with local armed groups, including the “Men of Dignity,” the largest group in the province. The group’s spokesman stated their support for the legitimate demands of the people and emphasized their non-violent approach, adding that they would not tolerate any attacks on the demonstrations.
Development
The fifth edition of the World Youth Forum kicked off at the National Training Academy in collaboration with UNICEF and in partnership with the “Haya Karima” Foundation. This year’s edition of the forum features extensive workshops with the participation of various international organizations, development initiatives, and youth from around the world. The discussions primarily revolve around two initiatives: “Learning for Employment” and “Volunteering Pathways in the Middle East and North Africa.” The forum aims to generate serious ideas to effectively engage youth in an executive plan with both the public and private sectors. It seeks to promote wider implementation of the “Learning for Employment” and “Volunteering Pathways in the Middle East and North Africa” initiatives, particularly in Egypt.
The World Youth Forum, in collaboration with the National Training Academy and UNICEF, organized a wide-ranging workshop to discuss the Learning for Work and Volunteering Pathways initiatives in the MENA region. The workshop aimed to combine public and private sector partnerships with youth to accelerate the impact and address one of the most significant challenges facing young people in the MENA region – how to effectively implement learning for work and volunteering pathways for youth. The workshop included international organizations, youth representation with their proposals, and various development initiatives. The youth participants actively engaged in discussions, aiming to generate effective and positive results for youth involvement in the implementation plan, in coordination with both the public and private sectors, to expand the impact of the initiatives, especially in Egypt. The program and initiatives launched will include launching an initiative for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which supports entrepreneurs in starting their businesses or expanding their activities through business incubators and funded training programs to develop the industry – in collaboration with a number of local, regional, and international organizations to qualify youth for the job market and overcome the challenges related to developing the required work skills and empowering them to obtain suitable jobs.
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution recognizing the contributions of the World Youth Forum in Sharm El Sheikh. The resolution acknowledges the role of youth forums and conferences, particularly the World Youth Forum in Sharm El Sheikh, in empowering youth and providing them with opportunities to develop their capabilities, especially in the areas of peace, creativity, and development.
The training sessions for the “Youth Empowerment” program, implemented by the Ministry of Youth in partnership with UNICEF and Generations for Peace, have concluded in Amman, Jordan. The program involved the participation of 175 young people aged 10 to 24. The training sessions covered various topics, including self-management, self-confidence building, self-awareness, leadership skills, teamwork, and interactive activities to boost self-esteem, self-worth, and effective communication. The program aimed to develop the capabilities and skills of young people to express their ideas creatively, build their identities, manage their negative and positive emotions, enhance their self-confidence, establish trust with others, and practice communication skills. It also encouraged them to express their strengths, share opinions and ideas, and engage with others constructively. The ultimate goal of the program is to empower youth to find alternative solutions to the challenges they face, improve their decision-making skills, enable them to be active and positive individuals in their communities, enhance their talents, refine their personalities, and develop their intellectual, mental, and physical capabilities.
Education
Israeli authorities have suspended Palestinian university students, Bara’a Fuqaha and Batoul Dar Assi, from their studies at Al-Quds University in the West Bank. This policy, not new, has been used previously to hinder the education of Palestinian students. Bara’a was summoned for questioning by Israeli police in June about her student union activities and subsequently suspended for six months, despite denying all accusations. Her appeal was rejected by an Israeli military court. Bara’a, unable to enter Abu Dis where her university is located, believes an annulment is unlikely due to escalating punitive Israeli policies. This suspension decision has been criticized as a “systematic racist policy” by the Jerusalem Governorate and is part of a broader trend of Palestinian students facing restrictions on their education by Israeli authorities since 2013.
Egypt’s Minister of State for Migration and Egyptian Expatriate Affairs, Suha Gendi, held a discussion session with young Egyptians as part of the ministry’s strategy to connect Egyptians abroad with their homeland. The meeting convened 50 young Egyptian students and researchers from the Ministry of Migration’s Youth Center for Egyptians Abroad (MEDCE). She proposed the establishment of a Think Tank to gather ideas from youth and engage relevant institutions in utilizing their proposals. The young attendees expressed their readiness to contribute their acquired knowledge to serve the community, especially in areas like digital transformation, medical services, and advisory committees for researchers.
Environment
450 young leaders from climate-affected regions worldwide recently convened at the Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon. This week-long event saw participants from nearly 100 countries across the Global South come together to discuss and develop strategies and demands for prioritizing climate justice in policymaking. Topics covered included loss and damage, climate adaptation, and phasing out fossil fuels. The camp served as a platform to build cross-border networks aimed at driving change both locally and globally. The gathering concluded with attendees joining around a symbolic sculpture of a giant hand, collaboratively created using over 400 pieces of embroidery, banners, and textiles from their respective home countries. This artwork, designed in partnership with Lebanese artist Pierre Abboud, serves as a symbol of solidarity for climate justice.
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MENARY Monitor – Edition 126
August 27, 2023
Politics and Political Engagement
A senior aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader asserts that the regime remains firmly entrenched in a fortress, guarded by a devoted religious group under all circumstances. Gen. Yadollah Javani, formerly known as the Political Deputy to the IRGC Commander and presently serving as the Deputy for Political Affairs for Ali Khamenei within the IRGC, addressed a gathering aimed at “strengthening the Basij militia.” He conveyed that the Israeli evaluation of the 2022 protests in Iran indicated their disregard for the potency, authenticity, and social deterrent capabilities of religious Iranians. He went on to assert that following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Islamic Republic effectively thwarted the United States’ aspirations of global dominance. Javani further contended that the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement aimed to cultivate animosity among Iranian youth towards individuals of religious faith. Contrary to this, the prevailing viewpoint among a majority of pundits and politicians is that the government’s inability to effectively address the nation’s economic challenges served as a significant catalyst for the burgeoning opposition among the youth. This sentiment is compounded by the perception that the authorities are erecting various barriers that impede young Iranians from pursuing their preferred lifestyles.
Community actors in Karak governorate called for activating national efforts aimed at enhancing political participation and involvement in partisan work. They emphasized the important role of parties in revitalizing political life, as they are the main pillar of democratic systems, and their performance reflects negatively or positively on the quality of political life and on the level of democratic development and political modernization. Youth activist Saddam Al-Awaisat said that the partisan experience in Jordan is one of the oldest in the Arab region, pointing to the need to conduct an analytical field study of the reality of Jordanian political parties and the expected paths, in addition to determining its spread, movement activity, financial resources, communication and media capabilities, and youth and feminist activity, to be an indicator of the partisan movement in the next stage.
The Shakh Hussein Youth Center in the Northern Jordan Valley organized a dialogue session, on youth and democratic participation, with the participation of 20 young people in the age group from 18 to 24 years. Attorney Ihab Bishtawi from the Damj Foundation for the Empowerment of Communities, the trainer, stressed the importance of political participation, especially among young people, and their role in supporting the national reform process and participating in the various parliamentary, municipal and provincial elections. He referred to the role of youth in supporting and moving the wheel of political reform taking place in the Kingdom. The session included a dialogue on the role of youth in political decision-making and the role of political parties in the process of political, economic and administrative reform.
The General Secretariat of the Shura Council participated in the activities of Youth City 2030, which is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in cooperation with the Labor Fund “Tamkeen”. The Secretariat implemented a program titled “the Age of Smart Parliament” which aims to raise youth’s awareness of parliaments and equip them with the necessary skills to keep pace with the legislative work of the developments of the times and modern technology.
Economics and Entrepreneurship
It is expected that providing job opportunities for Moroccan youth will constitute a real challenge for the government in the coming year, in the context of declining economic growth, its fragility and high unemployment among this segment of the population. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, on the occasion of the cabinet’s reconvening after the recess, identified attracting investment to create job opportunities among the major files awaiting the executive authority on the occasion of the new political entry. In this context, the economist Mustafa Malgo imagines, in his interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that getting rid of unemployment that affects young people, especially graduates, requires a policy approach that moves away from temporary solutions that lead to a kind of social fragility among that group. He believes that, in order to absorb a large part of the unemployed youth, it is supposed to move towards formulating economic policies that focus on sectors that produce added value, especially in the field of industry, which separates it from being the locomotive, as well as services and agriculture.
Representatives of NGOs, academics, and researchers demanded the need to develop an integrated national plan to confront the dangerous repercussions of the problem of emigration of young people and talents from the Gaza Strip, and to launch a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of illegal immigration, and strengthening the connection of young people with their society and its problems, given that their problems stem from the problems of society. They also called for the need to establish a national fund for youth, in which all parties, whether the government or the private sector, contribute. It aims to provide technical and financial support for entrepreneurial projects for youth, especially agricultural projects and small and medium enterprises, because of their impact on the growth of the economy and employment of the workforce. This came during a workshop organized by the NGO Network to present a paper prepared by Dr. Imad Abu Rahma, entitled “Exodus of Youth and Talents from the Gaza Strip: Challenges and Solutions”, within the project “Strengthening the Capabilities of Civil Society to Respond to the Needs Resulting from the Rapid Population Growth in the Gaza Strip”, in partnership with the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
A recent research paper by global management consulting firm Bain & Company revealed that demand for top tech talent has more than doubled between 2015 and 2019. The nature of the job has also evolved with 40% of the most in-demand jobs today not even existing in 2015. PwC’s Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears survey 2023, released in June, also found 52% of the individuals surveyed in the region believing their jobs will change significantly in the next five years, requiring them to acquire new skills and capabilities to boost AI literacy. According to a recent study by McKinsey, the MENA region is predicted to witness a significant workforce expansion of 127 million in the next decade, primarily driven by a burgeoning youth population. According to a recent study by McKinsey, the MENA region is predicted to witness a significant workforce expansion of 127 million in the next decade, primarily driven by a burgeoning youth population.
His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that the national efforts are continuing within a comprehensive vision and clear strategy towards the development of youth as the real wealth of the country, which has resulted in a series of successive successes achieved by the Kingdom in many development fields. This came during the closing ceremony of the camp for the third edition of the “Young Tech Entrepreneur” program, one of the digital youth initiatives, which was held under the auspices of the Minister of Industry and Trade, in the presence of Mr. Ahmed Bou Hazaa, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Tech Entrepreneur Program, and a number of program participants and entrepreneurs. The Minister announced the launch of the Digital Youth Initiative (Shabab Tech), which provides participants in the program in its current and two previous versions with continuous professional and voluntary development paths, in a way that contributes to developing their projects and serving their community through the experiences they gained in the program.
The Directorate of Labor in Alexandria Governorate, in cooperation with the Arkan Center for Creativity, began holding personal interviews for the second batch of applicants for young men and women for the professions of electronic marketing, photoshop, montage, and animation, at the headquarters of the Arkan Center for Creativity. This comes within the cooperation protocol between the directorate and the center, which aims to empower young people and develop their skills in the electronic field, which has become the most important means of trading in all fields of the labor market, in implementation of the directives of the Minister of Labor Hassan Shehata to pay attention to the file of vocational training on the newly created professions that are commensurate with the labor market and future jobs and provide Appropriate training programs according to the latest international methods and coordination with specialized companies in these fields to participate in training processes to qualify young people and hone their skills in these areas within the framework of the state’s strategy towards digital transformation and Vision 2030 for sustainable development.
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan Harry Verweij hosted a ceremony celebrating the selection of eight Jordanian companies that will receive financial support in the second phase of the Dutch Challenge Fund for Youth Employment in Amman. CEOs, private sector representatives, universities, ecosystem actors and government officials attended the event. The second phase of Dutch Challenge Fund for Youth Employment aims to create more jobs and improve the quality of work for young people, especially women, according to a Dutch Challenge Fund for Youth Employment statement. This phase will provide the eight Jordanian businesses with a total of 5.5 million euros. During the event, the selected businesses introduced their solutions for increasing youth employment opportunities within their companies.
Based on the Jordan Islamic Bank’s keenness to support the youth group, which represents the largest percentage in Jordanian society and the active contributor to moving the wheel of the national economy and sustainable development, the bank provided support for the first conference for Jordanian expatriate youth under the slogan “Create, Subtract, Achieve and Go“, which was held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Nidal Al-Batayneh, former Minister of Labor, and organized by the Al-Nashami Forum for the Jordanian community around the world, with the wide participation of expatriate youth and their parents, which was held at the Royal Cultural Center on August 18, 2023.
Conflict
The Anti-Illegal Migration Agency in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, deported 456 irregular immigrants who hold Egyptian and Nigerian nationalities to their countries. This came in statements by the GNU Minister of Interior, Emad Trabelsi, to journalists, including the Anadolu news agency correspondent, while he was at the headquarters of the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency in Tripoli. He confirmed that 162 irregular migrants holding Nigerian citizenship were deported, including 102 who were arrested at the Libyan-Tunisian border during the past few days while trying to enter Libya. For two weeks, African migrants suffered very difficult humanitarian conditions on the Tunisian-Libyan border, after they were expelled from their homes following clashes with Tunisians in the Sfax governorate (south) over the killing of a Tunisian youth by African migrants.
Development
The Al-Wasatiya District Youth Center, west of Irbid, organized an awareness dialogue about drugs and the dangers of addiction, with the participation of 30 young members of the center. Dr. Muhammad Al-Jazaery, from Kafr Asad Al-Shamel Health Center, presented the dangers of drugs, their types, the damage they cause to the human nervous system, diseases resulting from abuse, and the causes of their spread. He stressed the importance of drug abusers and addicts undergoing treatment, calling for concerted efforts to combat this scourge that threatens society through partnership with various state institutions, and focusing on the role of the family in supervising its members.
The We Are All Jordan Youth Authority, the youth arm of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, launched the first phase of the political and democratic empowerment project “Roles Await Us”. Holding a series of discussion sessions in the various governorates of the Kingdom, in line with the recommendations of the third discussion paper. The project focuses on the reform projects adopted by the Jordanian state according to the paths of the reform triangle (political, economic and administrative). The project aims to promote a culture of dialogue among Jordanian youth, enhance their participation in various local issues, link them with centers and houses of official and private expertise and decision-makers, expand the base of youth participation by opening up to different opinions and ideas, and leading a national youth dialogue that sheds light on various national challenges, and a number of experienced people will be hosted.
The Director of Youth and Sports in Kafr El-Sheikh organized a symposium on addressing rumors under the title “Be Sure before You Speak” within the “Summer of Our Youth” at the Kafr El-Sheikh Youth Center, with the participation of 60 young Egyptians, within the initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports “Our Youth’s Summer.”
Education
The Moab Model Youth Center organized an educational workshop for high school students, on stagnant, saturated, and required majors, in cooperation with the Civil Service Bureau, Southern Branch. During it, Muawiyah Al-Adaileh from the Civil Service Bureau talked about the most important specializations that suit the aspirations of young people and the extent to which the labor market absorbs these specializations, and the technical and technical diploma and their advantages. For her part, Nujud Al-Tarawneh from the Civil Service Bureau emphasized the carefulness and good choice of specialization, while the Jordanian Higher Education Authority decided to reduce the number of those enrolled in all the stagnant and saturated majors mentioned in the Civil Service Bureau report.
Environment
450 young leaders from the world’s most climate-affected regions will gather 28 August to 2 September at a Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon. Participants from almost 100 countries across the Global South will co-create strategies and demands calling on decision makers at COP28 and beyond to implement an equitable climate action framework. Following the stark warning from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the urgent need for action on what he termed ‘global boiling’ ahead of COP in the UAE, the Climate Justice Camp gives young people living the day-to-day realities of the climate crisis a space to exchange knowledge, develop demands, and lead conversations with decision makers in both local and global contexts.
The Harmony Foundation for Development, in cooperation with the Aden Creative Center, organized, in the capital, Aden, a symposium on the “green economy”, under the title “Developing Youth Skills in the Green Economy“, as part of the Foundation’s interest in preserving the environment and developing the green economy and coinciding with the International Day for young people. Local and Arab youth speakers participated in the symposium to present several inspiring stories to encourage young people to continue striving towards action for the climate and the green economy, and to believe that striving towards achieving the “impossible” is possible.
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MENARY Monitor – Edition 125
August 20, 2023
Politics and Political Engagement
The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights “HASHD” organized a workshop titled “Palestinian Youth: Challenges and Alternatives.” During the workshop, young activists, experts, and academics emphasized the need for a national plan to improve the situation of Palestinian youth amid challenges they face on all levels, especially ensuring their active participation in political, economic, and social decision-making. They stressed the importance of serious international action to halt occupation violations and lift the blockade on Gaza, urging all responsible entities to focus on developing youth capacities and skills, enabling them to be active contributors to society. They also urged for an end to Palestinian division, youth inclusion in decision-making at all levels, support for youth projects, the establishment of a national fund to support youth, and a shift in education towards vocational and technical training. They highlighted the necessity for ongoing youth-led activism to enhance youth participation.
Laith Al-Qeheiwi wrote an article exploring the extent to which Jordanian youth have a space in their country’s reform process. Al-Qeheiwi indicates that there is a current trend in which youth are reluctant to engage in political activities through parties, attributed to the nature of these parties, their initiatives directed towards the youth, and mechanisms to attract them. He adds that youth face many challenges in Jordan, particularly economic and social ones, with high youth unemployment rates affecting their active participation in development and growth. This situation necessitates revisiting youth-directed programs and activities, aligning them with the youth’s potential and cognitive levels of comprehension, analysis, and criticism. Al-Qeheiwi reasons that smart and sustainable solutions are required, drawing inspiration from successful practices and involving Jordanians who have proven their competence in handling crises and challenges, using forward-thinking methodologies and tools. He suggests that need for genuine intent to attract and utilize Jordanian talents who have emigrated, as they represent intellectual, cognitive, and human capital.
The Directorate of Youth in Aqaba, Jordan, organized a dialogue session on the role of youth in realizing Jordan’s reform visions, attended by the Minister of Youth. The minister emphasized that youth are a fundamental pillar in the paths of political, economic, and administrative modernization, encompassing projects and initiatives. He highlighted the Ministry’s ambitious youth plans and programs, executed in collaboration to empower and enhance youth participation in public life. He noted the Ministry’s efforts in activating youth centers, developing programs aligned with youth aspirations, fostering skill development, and encouraging their engagement in political, economic, and social domains. Al-Nabulsi also discussed programs such as the Political Institute for Youth Leadership Development and the Ministry’s strategy for political modernization, as well as economic empowerment initiatives like entrepreneurial forums, volunteering programs, and skill development programs. He stressed that the Ministry aims to work closely with youth themselves to implement these programs, elevating youth work in the country and translating the royal vision into youth advancement and increased influence in decision-making processes.
Despite being deported from Belgium to Tunisia a few months ago due to irregular migration and suspicion of possessing a weapon, the dream of returning to Europe’s shores on a boat continues to haunt a twenty-year-old Tunisian, among many others, who aspire to escape poverty. This young man experiences deep frustration over his failed return and laments being swiftly sent back to his impoverished neighborhood. The young Tunisian expresses his weariness of living in Tunisia, where many young people risk their lives in the drug trade due to lack of alternatives in their dire circumstances. He recalled his story in a report by Aljazeera, which highlighted that this is one among the tragedies of Tunisian youth who dream of escaping poverty and unemployment in a country grappling with economic contraction. Daily attempts at irregular migration by Tunisians and sub-Saharan Africans towards European shores continue, often ending in boat sinkings or migration attempts being foiled. The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, relying on Italian Interior Ministry data, revealed that around 6,087 Tunisians arrived in Italy irregularly from the beginning of the year until July 31. During the same period, Tunisian authorities thwarted more than 35,000 migration attempts to Italy, involving both Tunisians and non-Tunisians. This rise in migration, both irregular and regular, is attributed to deteriorating economic and social conditions, a lack of perspective, and an absence of solutions from the authorities.
Economics and Entrepreneurship
The recent survey conducted by ASDA’A BCW has revealed concerning trends among Arab youth. With the majority of youth in North Africa and the Levant believe their national economy is headed in the wrong direction, over half of them are actively seeking or considering leaving their countries for better opportunities. Canada was the top desired destination, followed by the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Reasons for considering emigration vary, including job opportunities (49%), seeking new experiences (25%), being closer to family and friends (20%), and escaping political instability (15%). Young people in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are more optimistic about their economies, with 88% saying their country’s economy is on the right track. The survey underscores the complex feelings and aspirations of Arab youth, shedding light on their perspectives and preferences concerning emigration and economic prospects.
Thousands of youth in Gaza are struggling with unemployment and lack of opportunities, with youth unemployment rates exceeding 70%. Over 170,000 graduates are affected by the absence of job prospects, the majority of whom are young people. The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza is pleading with international and legal institutions to change the dire situation of the youth by providing them with employment opportunities. Khalil Matar, a committee member, emphasized the dire situation in Gaza and urged international and legal institutions to pressure for the lifting of the Israeli blockade. Ahmed al-Nabris of the Ministry of Labor states that Gaza’s unemployment rate is alarming, particularly among youth, as 54% of the unemployed youth are university graduates. He adds that if the blockade is eased, significant changes could occur in these numbers.
The “Arab Youth Talks to Build Awareness” Forum will be held in Cairo, with the participation of Qatar. Organized by the Arab Youth Council for Integrated Development, the event will involve 100 representatives from various Arab associations, institutions, and councils related to entrepreneurship, innovation, education, and technology. The forum will address methods of achieving Arab integration through innovative scientific research, youth engagement, and development plans, including the green economy and technological advancements. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the Arab Youth Council for Integrated Development.
At the G20 Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy in India, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, highlighted Saudi Vision 2030’s significance in advancing competitiveness through empowering youth and women and fostering a technology-driven, sustainable future. Al-Swaha emphasized the digital economy’s role as a social equalizer and economic enhancer, generating new jobs and business models. Saudi Arabia’s achievements include bridging the digital divide for 99% of the population, pioneering offline-to-online network connections, and launching a large AI-based virtual hospital. The country’s focus on empowering youth and women has led to a remarkable rise in women’s employment in the technology sector. Notable sustainability initiatives were also commended, encompassing projects like a battery storage facility and marine surveys using technology for coral reef protection. Al-Swaha also highlighted the projected wealth impact of artificial intelligence, estimating up to $1 trillion in 2023 and nearly $14 trillion by 2030. Commending India’s G20 presidency initiatives, he expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to overcoming digital economy challenges.
Mastercard recently reintroduced the “Her Voice” podcast series, aimed at empowering small businesses in Saudi Arabia. As an extension of this initiative, Mastercard partnered with SAB to offer a female entrepreneur the chance to be featured in the podcast’s final episode and receive a $30,000 business grant. Kholoud Attar, founder of KAAPH Media, emerged as the winner. Her entrepreneurial spirit resonates with Mastercard’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs through digital payment solutions, data insights, and innovative tools. Attar welcomed the grant as an opportunity to further elevate Saudi women through her entrepreneurial endeavors. Mastercard has a global goal of integrating 25 million women entrepreneurs into the digital economy by 2025, providing them with the necessary tools and solutions for business success.
The Directorate of Labor in Alexandria witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol aimed at training and qualifying young people in the field of electronics repair, with the goal of providing job opportunities after training. This initiative is part of the directorate’s efforts to engage the private sector in youth employment and provide innovative training programs in line with market demands. The training program focuses on electronics and screen repair, covering topics such as electronic parts, screen components, and practical and theoretical training. The program also offers psychological preparation for dealing with devices and customers, hands-on training on devices used to diagnose faults, and provides employment opportunities for top-performing trainees.
A training session aimed at enhancing youth’s experience in pottery and ceramics has commenced in the city of Kiffa, Morocco, organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Traditional Industry, and Tourism. The event aims to train groups of young people in the craft of pottery and ceramics “from basic experience to industrial professionalism under the supervision of experts from the Kingdom of Morocco,” according to a briefing from the Ministry. The Ministry added that this training seeks to provide professional training that reduces unemployment and opens job opportunities for the participants.
ThinkSmart Development and Training Foundation, in collaboration with the Bahraini Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, organized multiple training workshops for young Bahrainis, as part of the “Youth City 2030” initiative. These workshops included programs related to the “My Opportunity” and “Smart Coders” projects. The CEO of ThinkSmart, stated that they are delighted to participate in the initiative and that their training programs aim to assist Bahraini youth in enhancing their capabilities.
Conflict
Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli occupation forces in Qalqilya, as a result of which, a young Palestinian with a disability was struck by explosive bullets. Israeli forces fired live ammunition at the mentally disabled young man near the occupation checkpoint at the southern entrance of the city.
A young Palestinian in his twenties succumbed to critical injuries he sustained from Israeli occupation forces’ gunfire during their raid on Balata refugee camp. The occupation forces entered the camp and engaged in fierce confrontations, detonating a pursued house and a Fatah movement headquarters, claiming they were manufacturing explosive devices. Several Palestinians were shot and others suffered from gas inhalation as Israeli forces stormed and destroyed a house in Balata camp. According to the Red Crescent, there were various injuries, as a young man sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, two were injured by live bullet shrapnel and were hospitalized, four sustained shrapnel wounds treated on-site, one was shot and abducted by Israeli forces, 85 experienced gas inhalation and were treated on-site, a child from a house targeted by the occupation forces was evacuated, and two injuries due to falls were treated on-site.
A Palestinian youth has died due to injuries inflicted by Israeli occupation forces’ gunfire during their incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque two years ago. He wounded in Ramadan in May 2021, as the occupation forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque during prayers and shot him with a rubber-coated bullet, causing multiple fractures in his skull and the loss of his left eye. According to the Palestinian news agency “WAFA,” he was initially taken for treatment at a local hospital, but the occupation forces arrested him a few days after his injury, despite his critical health condition. Over the past months, he suffered further consequences, and his health continued to deteriorate until his passing.
The Middle East Eye published an article highlighting the resilience of a new generation of Palestinian youth in Jenin, who continue to face attacks by the Israeli occupation forces. The writer, Palestinian academic Ahmed Jameel Azm, visited Jenin after a significant Israeli attack in July of 2022 and observed a different response from the Palestinian youth. Despite the destruction caused by the Israeli assault, it appeared that Israel had not achieved a significant outcome in its efforts to suppress armed resistance in the camp. During his visit to the camp, Azm discovered that the younger generation, acquaintances, and friends, were well-versed in the details of the recent martyrs from Nablus and Jenin. He noticed that this new Palestinian generation has its own contemporary heroes. Azm pointed out that the fragile security situation and the absence of a broader national liberation movement has compelled the camp residents to defend themselves against the occupation. He concluded by highlighting the unity among the camp’s residents, whether across political factions or different generations, emphasizing that the term “surrender” is not in the vocabulary of Jenin’s people.
The Palestinian National Authority’s security forces arrested a young Palestinian who is wanted by the Israeli occupation forces. The arrest took place after hours of besieging him in the Al-Fare’a area of Toubas city in the northern West Bank. Angry citizens had closed several streets in Toubas in protest against the siege and confrontations erupted between civilians and the PA’s security forces. During the siege, the young man expressed his dismay, questioning the security forces, “Why are you besieging me? I am resisting the occupation! I am being pursued by the occupation, what’s your problem with me? I haven’t done anything against you!” The Palestinian National Authority’s security apparatus continues to target resistance members, released prisoners, and activists for political reasons. The group “Lawyers for Justice” condemned the arrest of the young man and the ongoing arrest campaign carried out by the security forces. The group stated that it had documented 727 cases of arrest since the beginning of the current year, including dozens of political activists and citizens based on their political affiliations and freedom of opinion and expression. Some arrests also targeted university students due to their student activities. The organization confirmed that it had documented dozens of torture cases, including 14 cases where victims openly reported being tortured during investigation sessions before prosecution.
Sudan is experiencing intense polarization between the two conflicting parties: the Army and the Rapid Support Forces, which is endangering the country’s youth. The ongoing conflict, now in its fifth month, threatens the future of the young Sudanese. The Rapid Support Forces have called in additional fighters from Darfur and Kordofan, using the escalating conflict to expand their control. The leader of the Army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has called on the youth and anyone capable of bearing arms to join training camps to fight the militias. This militarization increases the risk of prolonging the war, where none of the parties can decisively win. The danger now lies in the potential transformation of previously safe areas into zones of chaos, exemplified by recent violent events in Al-Fula, West Kordofan. A significant portion of the youth is engaging in the senseless war, with various motivations, including financial gain, tribal loyalty, and defense of land and honor. Observers fear that the mutual mobilization could escalate into a full-blown civil war, driven by mobilization and the grievances fueled by the war against specific communities.
The Iraqi government has repurposed some of its combat camps into health centers to address the growing issue of drug addiction, which has seen an increase in trafficking and usage rates. The Ministry of Interior has stated that the drug problem has become more dangerous than terrorism in Iraq. Incidents of suicide linked to drug abuse have been reported, with one case involving a 19-year-old girl who resorted to ending her life due to challenging circumstances stemming from her upbringing and forced marriage. The Ministry is now prioritizing combating drug addiction, taking precedence over counterterrorism efforts, and has converted old military camps into drug addiction treatment centers. These centers collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health in managing the treatment facilities. Measures have been implemented, such as requiring drug tests for government employment and driver’s license applications, to curb drug abuse. International efforts have also been made, including international conferences and high-level coordination among countries to combat drug trafficking. The Ministry of Health in Iraq has devised a plan to reduce drug abuse by establishing small health units dedicated to treating addicts in each province. Other measures such as tightening legal penalties for drug traffickers, raising public awareness, and ensuring the protection of its borders.
Development
The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, is conducting Training of Trainers workshops titled “Future of Work Guide” as part of the activities of the “Youth for the Future” Project. The project aims to improve living conditions, economic, and social situations for Egyptian and immigrant youth. It seeks to enhance the skills of young people, increase their job prospects, and provide career counseling services within youth centers. The “Future of Work Guide” training covers a range of knowledge and skills that refine the abilities of Ministry of Youth and Sports trainers. These skills encompass labor rights and obligations, occupational safety and health in the workplace, conflict resolution mechanisms, community dialogue, non-discrimination in the workplace, and a variety of training and facilitation techniques.
The Abu Dhabi Youth Council organized the “Abu Dhabi Youth Councils Forum,” the first gathering of institutional youth councils in Abu Dhabi, coinciding with International Youth Day. All 79 institutional youth councils from government, semi-government, and private sectors participated to encourage cooperation among these councils and enhance youth’s role in shaping the Emirate’s future. These councils consist of members with diverse experiences serving national development. The forum included a dialogue session that discussed lessons, messages, and advice for youth regarding family, community, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Education
The Giving Joy Foundation, led by young Jordanian woman, Farah Matalqah, participated in the University of Jordan’s first voluntary forum organized by the “Nashama” bloc at the University. The forum embodied values of cooperation and social responsibility inherent in the university’s youth, highlighting their role in achieving positive change. Matalqah shared her unique experience in higher education, as her foundation provided funding and financial support to students facing difficulties in affording university education, reflecting a strong commitment to youth empowerment and fair education opportunities. This experience had a positive impact on her life, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. She stressed that volunteering not only helps others but also enables influential individuals and volunteers to develop vital skills and gain valuable experiences.
TotalEnergies Qatar hosted a week-long internship program for students, providing insights into their operations and innovative projects. It has also participated in the Women in Energy Forum, highlighting their sustainable initiatives and transformation journey. A visit to the TotalEnergies Research Centre Qatar offered students exposure to ongoing projects and discussions with professionals. The company has been actively engaging with youth through educational events, focusing on knowledge sharing, career exploration, and leadership development. These efforts aim to inspire the next generation and contribute to Qatar’s vision of a knowledge-based economy.
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MENARY Monitor – Edition 123
August 6, 2023
Politics and Political Engagement
Despite the announcement of tens of billions of dollars in aid to Yemen from donor countries and international institutions since 2015, the economic and living conditions present contrasting realities, raising questions about the actual impact and allocation of these funds on the lives of millions of citizens. Yemen is facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, as classified by the United Nations. Officially declared Gulf aid to Yemen over nine years surpasses $27 billion, with additional humanitarian assistance from international relief agencies and donors like the United States amounting to around $20 billion, according to the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. However, the ongoing conflict and deprivation persist, with poverty expanding and over half of Yemen’s population suffering from hunger. Among the internally displaced, where women and children constitute 80%, the situation remains dire. The World Food Programme, which provides food to around 13 million people in Yemen and seeks $2.9 billion in funding this year, reports that funding shortages have resulted in reduced activities. Since June of the previous year, five million people receive only half of their daily needs, while eight million receive only a quarter.
Stringent measures, including operations targeting migrant smugglers, have led to a reduction in irregular migration through Turkey’s eastern border, particularly the Van border with Iran. Orhan Deniz, head of the Population and Migration Studies Center at Yüzüncü Yıl University, highlighted the impact of a border wall under construction, increased patrols, and operations against traffickers. The Interior Ministry reported record deportations, with 124,441 irregular migrants and 58,758 Syrians facilitated for voluntary return in the previous year. Deniz noted a significant decrease in irregular migrants at the border since January, attributing it to crackdowns on smuggling rings and nationwide operations against irregular migration. Deniz also observed a change in migrant profiles, with a shift from security-related concerns to economic motivations, especially among Afghan nationals, where youths and those seeking employment now comprise the majority of irregular migrants.
The Youth Directorate of Ajloun Governorate, Jordan, organized a camp titled “Enhancing Youth Participation in Political Life” in collaboration with the Independent Election Commission. Political party specialist Mohammed Al-Majali from the Independent Election Commission discussed mechanisms to enhance youth participation in political and party life, including the significance of electoral and party laws, and their importance in involving youth in political processes and decision-making. He emphasized the vital role of party work in selecting political elites capable of implementing party programs, whether political, economic, or social, for the public good. The camp aims to boost youth involvement in political and party activities and to educate them about electoral and party laws, as well as tools for political engagement. Discussions within the camp revolved around workshops aimed at raising awareness among youth about their roles in political and party life.
Egyptian social media was abuzz with criticism and questions after a photo circulated of former military general Samir Farag delivering a lecture to a new batch of diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the photo, Farag is seen giving a lecture on “Dimensions of Egyptian National Security,” sparking wide debate among Egyptians, as the young diplomats were seen dressed in military clothes in the photo. Some Twitter users called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify whether the young diplomats undergo military training before joining the ministry.
Economics and Entrepreneurship
The informal economy has become a refuge for Tunisian youth seeking employment, as its operational capacity has expanded to include half of the country’s workforce. Despite the precariousness of informal jobs, Tunisian youth are increasingly turning to this sector. A study conducted by Friedrich Ebert Foundation revealed that around 77% of young people are engaged in informal work without contracts or social coverage. The shift towards the informal labor market is attributed to the limited opportunities in the organized job market. High levels of risk and limited financial support in the formal sector drive young people, including university graduates, towards the informal sector. The study also highlights the changing profile of migrants, with youth primarily seeking economic opportunities. Tunisia has been facing unemployment challenges, with an overall unemployment rate 40.2% among youth.
A new poll conducted by Bayt found that 71% of Moroccans want to emigrate in pursuit of career advancement. The survey also highlights that 71% of employees are open to switching fields or sectors if it facilitates emigration, and 49% aspire for higher-ranking positions. The National Observatory of Human Development (ONDH) further reported that seven out of ten young Moroccans were enticed by the prospect of migrating abroad, with 83% expressing dissatisfaction with their current lives. Notably, the desire to emigrate is prominent among Moroccan youth, who view it as a means to enhance their skills, professional qualifications, and financial prospects. This aspiration extends beyond the younger demographic, encompassing established professionals such as doctors, engineers, and technicians.
During a seminar on the role of the Moroccan expatriates in local and regional development, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, Aouatif Hayar, emphasized the importance of creating suitable conditions for the integration of Moroccans living abroad in the country’s development initiatives. She stressed that these conditions should involve collaboration among institutional, territorial, and civil society stakeholders, along with enhancing international cooperation and partnerships in research and innovation. With approximately 5.1 million people living abroad, 60% of whom are aged between 15 and 39, the minister highlighted that their skills and expertise could contribute to Morocco’s economic and social progress across various fields such as investment, entrepreneurship, scientific research, innovation, and modern technology.
The Arab Youth Center and General Motors Africa & Middle East have launched the second phase of the “Arab Youth Technology Fellowship” program, focused on enhancing STEM skills and business leadership among Arab youth. This collaborative effort offers theoretical and practical training, including mentoring, dialogue, and internships with GM’s regional leadership and partners. The program aims to elevate the next generation’s skillset, leadership abilities, and innovative thinking. Discussions during mentorship sessions and internships covered technology, sustainability, and future mobility, allowing talents to benefit from GM’s expertise. The program spans crucial topics like AI-driven mobility, partnerships with startups, innovation, and women’s leadership. The second phase offers opportunities, business incubators, and training with the goal of fostering innovative projects led by youth.
EarthLink has announced its intention to train and employ at least 1000 young Iraqi graduates who have qualified through the “Entrepreneurship” initiative, launched by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. The CEO of EarthLink made this announcement during the closing events of the “National Youth Dialogue” conference held in Baghdad. He stated that the company will embark on a new era of private sector contribution by training and employing at least a thousand young graduates from the Entrepreneurship initiative, providing them with benefits equivalent to those of government employees, including guarantees, retirement plans, and allowances. He further highlighted that supporting the initiative is a way for the company to give back to the Iraqi community and that this will not be the last initiative of its kind.
The twelfth edition of the Youth City 2030 Initiative was launched at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center. The initiative aims to train Bahraini youth and prepare them for the job market through various well-designed programs that meet their needs and the requirements of the labor market. The initiative offers 2,740 training opportunities across different fields through more than 100 carefully designed programs. These programs focus on technical, practical, and creative aspects to develop participants’ skills and capabilities, enabling them to excel and enter the job market.
As part of its efforts to invest in the potential of Jordanian youth, the All Jordan Youth Commission launched an e-commerce training program with the aim to provide comprehensive training in content creation, e-platform management, e-commerce, and e-marketing. The training is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge, practical and theoretical skills, and competitiveness in the job market. The program incorporates modern teaching methodologies, evaluation indicators, and pre-defined action plans, with a focus on post-training assessment and continuous development.
As part of youth development and capacity building in robotics and artificial intelligence, the second edition of the “National Summer Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Camp” was launched in Tunisia. The camp, supervised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, aims to enhance the skills of 96 young participants from 24 regions in Tunisia in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. The initiative includes workshops, creative activities, and scientific engagement, showcasing Tunisian youth’s excellence in global robotics and AI. The project’s objectives encompass skill development, fostering creativity and excellence, and facilitating knowledge exchange among active youth in the field. The camp reflects the collaboration of various youth institutions and encourages technological advancement while providing a platform for networking among the participants.
Conflict
Israeli occupation forces conducted a series of widespread arrests in several areas of the occupied Palestinian territories, including former prisoners, leading to clashes and confrontations. The raids and arrests were concentrated in Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya, where dozens of homes were raided, causing destruction and subjecting residents to field interrogations. Palestinian organizations concerned with prisoners’ affairs reported that Israeli occupation forces arrested 25 Palestinians from the West Bank, transferring them for interrogation under the pretext of involvement in popular resistance against settlers and the occupation. The Palestinian Prisoners Club reported the arrest of 13 Palestinians during a widespread arrest campaign in Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. Israeli forces targeted homes and caused destruction, arresting three young Palestinians. In Jenin, occupation forces targeted the town of Burqin, arresting six people after entering the town with military reinforcements. The ongoing surge in arrests, accompanied by widespread harassment and destruction, has been termed “collective punishment.” The prisoner’s club has documented approximately 4,300 arrests since the beginning of the year, with Israeli authorities implementing these measures as a daily policy to suppress growing resistance.
Amid heightened tensions, Israeli forces fatally shot an 18-year-old Palestinian in the occupied West Bank during a raid in Tulkarm. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victim and reported he was shot in the head during a military operation near a refugee camp, leading to clashes. The area hosts around 40,700 Palestinian IDPs, descendants of those displaced in the 1948 conflict. The past 15 months have witnessed escalated violence in the West Bank, marked by increased Israeli operations, Palestinian attacks, and settler-related unrest.
Development
A recent report reveals that Iraq has shifted from being a transit point for drugs to becoming a consumer of drugs, facilitated by the influx of drugs from Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan traveling to Gulf countries, particularly to Saudi Arabia. Ceptagon, produced by Assad’s forces in Syria, has gained prominence in Iraq, being used as an alternative form of currency for road tolls. This shift has led to the drug being resold and consumed domestically, contributing to a rise in addiction among Iraqi youth. Amid this escalation, Iraqi security forces conduct regular anti-drug operations and arrests, highlighting the growing drug consumption crisis. Rehabilitation centers in Iraq have reported an increase in drug-related admissions, with individuals as young as 14 years old seeking help, reflecting a worrisome trend. The recent discovery of a drug production facility in Iraq highlights the severity of the issue.
Jordan has a severe smoking issue, highlighted by a recent World Bank report. The country exhibits one of the world’s highest smoking rates, with alarming statistics such as 24% of students aged 13-15 identifying as active smokers, and over 60% of adult men and 41% of the total adult population being smokers. This places Jordan with the highest smoking prevalence in the MENA region. Smoking-related consequences lead to approximately one in eight deaths in the nation, costing an estimated $2.67 billion in healthcare expenses, productivity losses, and associated costs. Vulnerable segments of Jordanian society, particularly the poorest, suffer the most from tobacco use.
The Youth and Sports Directorate in North Sinai Governorate, Egypt, has implemented “Our Borders, Our Pulse” initiative, which aims to support youth initiatives and innovative community projects. The program was carried out at youth centers and featured training on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, community monitoring tools, and planning community initiatives. Additionally, a “Best Community Initiative and Project” competition was launched, with winning initiatives and projects being further developed in interactive camps.
Education
A total of 24 Egyptian universities are participating in the 13th edition of the Universities and Higher Institutes Youth Week, which is set to take place in September 2023. The event comes in line with the state’s strategy to support and engage university youth, encouraging them to excel in various fields and participate in diverse activities that contribute to their development and skills. It includes a range of competitive sporting, scientific, social, artistic, cultural, and youth activities, as well as parallel and diverse events for Egyptian university students.
The Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority has announced the commencement of training 755 university students across its centers, as part of the summer training program aimed at providing training to 1,900 students from Egyptian universities. The training covered topics such as nuclear research, radiation safety, and applications of atomic energy. Various centers within the authority hosted the students, including the Nuclear Research Center, where students learned about plant research, biotechnological applications, water and land studies, and more. Additionally, other centers focused on radiation measurements, nuclear isotopes, and safety. This training aims to enhance students’ knowledge in atomic energy and radiation safety and is part of a broader effort to engage youth in scientific pursuits.
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MENARY Monitor – Edition 122
July 30, 2023
Politics and Political Engagement
Salah El-Din Tayyar, founder of the Algerian Youth Ambassadors, said that relations between his country and Russia have entered new heights, after the signing of the Deepened Partnership Declaration, in mid-June, after it was limited to cooperation in the military-security field. The founder of the Foundation, which is active in organizing educational and cultural programs dedicated to young people and young leaders, revealed, in an interview conducted with him by “Sputnik”, on the sidelines of the “Second Russian-African Summit and the Economic and Humanitarian Forum” held in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, that he had asked Moscow to open a cultural center in Algeria to build bridges of communication between young people from the two countries.
Over the last decade, the Arab Barometer’s surveys have captured youth public opinion in countries across the Middle East and North Africa. MENA youth have consistently raised concerns about their countries’ economic performance, job opportunities, quality of education, and political and civil rights. While a desire for change is present, and reform movements have developed in the wake of the 2011 Arab uprisings, MENA youth seem to be unable to exact meaningful political change, according to a new report by Carnegie.
The Iranian regime is still struggling to contain the protests and confront the women’s revolution. The Iranian Ministry of Culture and Guidance is working to make changes in its structure, by launching a campaign to hire dozens of its loyalists, who are known to the regime as “Hezbollah youth”, and expel others, according to what Iranian Minister of Culture and Guidance, Muhammad Mahdi Ismaili, announced.
The Moroccan Forum for Young Journalists announced that it will organize, in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation – Rabat Office, on July 29 and 30 in Marrakech, a training course on “basic concepts related to human rights for quality Moroccan journalism”, for a group of professional journalists. The aforementioned forum stated, in a statement, that “the organization of this training comes as part of a partnership agreement concluded between the Moroccan Forum for Young Journalists and the Heinrich Böll Foundation – Rabat, Morocco, in order to educate male and female journalists and enhance their capabilities with regard to basic concepts related to human rights, and to promote Moroccan journalism.” Quality that respects professional ethics and its controls.
The Youth Directorate of Irbid Governorate implemented, within Al-Hussein Camps for Labor and Construction 2023, a camp to enhance youth participation in political life, through which it targeted youth in youth clubs and organizations and the local community in Irbid Governorate, with the participation of 23 young men and women within the age group of 18-30 years, and in the presence of the heads of clubs in the district and the Independent Electoral Commission. The camp aims to enhance youth participation in party life and introduce participants to the electoral law, political parties and participation.
A dialogue session was held in the municipality of Ubari on the Youth Charter, through which many axes concerned with youth were discussed, with the participation of a number of young people in the municipality.
Economics and Entrepreneurship
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, through the Central Department for Youth Empowerment, in cooperation with UNICEF, launched the training program for the “Mishwary” project for skills development and entrepreneurship, from 25-31 of July, in the new city of Nubaria. The training targets, as a first stage, 500 young men and women from the “Haya Karima” youth centers and sports clubs, which include 50 youth centers and sports clubs from Al-Thaheir Al-Sahrawi area. The training targets youth aged 16-24, in the hall of the new city of Nubaria.
The summer activity at the Arab Sports Club organized a training course, in cooperation with the Qatar Wireless Sports Center, on drones, and the best way to deal with this type of technology. The program included a theoretical definition of the drone, then a training program on drones, and their areas of use, including the war and media fields, taking into account the need for ratification by the responsible authorities in the country, and out of concern for the privacy of individuals and societies, and out of the club’s keenness to train and qualify young people, refine their skills and discover their talents in various fields, and with the participation of a large number of summer activity affiliates in the club.
Conflict
The Palestinian Authority health ministry said early Thursday that a 14-year-old Palestinian was killed in clashes with the Israel Defense Forces operating in Qalqilya, in the West Bank.
Israeli occupation forces closed the Wadi et-Tuffah and Bir Seba Street in the center of Hebron, along with dozens of businesses, to prevent Palestinians from accessing an area considered sacred by illegal settlers. “For the first time, the army allowed settlers to raid a Palestinian area in Bab El-Zawiye at this time of the year, which is something new,” President of the Youth Anti-Settlement Union, Isa Amro, told Anadolu Agency in a statement. He said fanatic settlers were due to head to “Hebron tomb” on Bir Seba Street.
From one arena to another, the challenges and problems facing Palestinian youth abroad vary, and the biggest challenge remains to keep the state of belonging to the homeland alive and effective, working for it, and interacting with its issues. In Lebanon, one of the countries that surrounds and is in contact with the homeland, Palestinian youth find themselves besieged by many crises that they are trying to overcome without distracting them from their first issue and their eternal dream of achieving return.
In mid-July, the EU finalized a much-anticipated agreement with Tunisia to cooperate on curbing a surge in migration flows to Europe’s Mediterranean shores, but international law experts and humanitarian groups warn that the €1 billion deal could lead to severe rights violations instead of helping solve complex issues. The deal aims to prevent migrants from reaching Europe irregularly; increase returns of Tunisian citizens who have no permission to stay in Europe; and facilitate repatriation from Tunisia to third countries of migrants of other nationalities.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called to adopt a comprehensive development vision in countries experiencing an exodus of migrants as the only solution to the phenomenon of irregular migration which he said is affecting North African countries as much as Europe. In a speech read by Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane in Rome, Tebboune said while the security treatment of the migration file responds to the urgent need to maintain public order and combat smuggling and human trafficking networks, it does not contribute to addressing this phenomenon in a sustainable manner. Comprehensive solutions that guarantee stability, advance development dynamics and create job opportunities for youth in source countries are the only solutions, he said. In this context, he pointed out that Algeria’s approach to combating illegal immigration “is based on supporting peace and security in these countries, while calling to mobilize more funding for the implementation of development projects to benefit African countries,” and that “the situation has worsened as a result of security measures and provisions to protect the European Union’s external borders and tighten visa-granting procedures,” said Tebboune, explaining that his country, “driven by its permanent solidarity with neighboring countries, has for many years adopted a relatively tolerant policy towards these flows, which has led to an unprecedented rise in the number of illegal migrants who have settled on its territory.”
Development
Bahnini Hall in Rabat witnessed the inauguration of the second session of the “Morocco with Purpose” program, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, and directed to young Moroccans living abroad to strengthen their ties with their home country. In a speech on the occasion, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed El Mehdi Bensaïd, praised this initiative “because it came from Moroccans of the world in service to the Moroccans of the world,” considering that “living outside the homeland makes immigrants have a stronger bond with their country of origin, and more awareness of the needs of Moroccans in the diaspora.” For her part, Heba El-Eidi, the supervisor of the Morocco with Purpose program, expressed her happiness that the project has reached its second round, adding that it is about “a week of cultural integration, from which forty Moroccan immigrants aged 18 to 25 will get to know their homeland in an innovative way.”
The activities of the community security and police camp, implemented by the Karak Youth Directorate, Jordan, were concluded. The camp aims to raise the level of awareness among young people in the security field. The Director of the Karak Youth Directorate, Dr. Thamer Al-Majali, said that the camp aims to raise the level of security awareness among young people aged 15-17, and motivate them to contribute to achieving community security, cooperate with security men, and interact with the activities carried out by the Public Security Directorate (PSD), leading to a safe and stable society.
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority launched the “Aafaq Al-Diriyah Summer Program for Youth”, which runs for 4 weeks, from Sunday to Thursday of each week. It features activities and workshops focusing on enhancing knowledge, leadership, values, and skills for youth aged 9-17, with the aim of developing their personalities, culture, and their admiration for social responsibility. The program is a promising opportunity for the participants, especially as it includes a number of tracks, activities and various events, including exploring the historic Al-Turaif neighborhood, with the aim of inspiring young people with the value and heritage of this historical site, to become ambassadors of Diriyah, adhering to the values it represents, which develops in them a sense of pride and appreciation in the cultural heritage of Diriyah.
Environment
The Ma’an Youth Association for the Preservation of the Environment (in Jordan) has started implementing the first stages of the “Smart Village for Sustainable Development” project, which aims to promote sustainable development to confront climate change. The project is implemented with funding from the French Development Agency, within the framework of the MINCA initiative, and with the support of the Innovation and Agricultural Entrepreneurship Incubator at the National Center for Agricultural Research, the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, the Greater Ma’an Municipality, rural electrification projects, and smart desert.
Under the slogan “cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility,” the Youth Union of Parties and Political Components for Advocating Social Causes and Supporting Local Authorities, in Aden, implemented a cleaning campaign. The campaign targeted Abyan’s coastline and focused on cleaning the beach area, removing waste and garbage scattered in the sand, rocks, and public spaces. Continuing their proactive approach to address the issue of waste accumulation, the youth of the union aimed to clean and address various locations affected by garbage, particularly coastal areas. The youth emphasized the importance of cleanliness and raised awareness about environmental and health risks. The union called upon all citizens to work collectively to preserve the cleanliness of Aden to safeguard a clean and safe environment.
The Faculty of Politics and Economics at Suez University organized the closing ceremony of the COP27 climate change simulation models, attended by representatives from the European Union and the Egyptian Stock Exchange. The Dean of the Faculty supervised the simulation models presented by the students.
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2023 – Third Quarter