We have noticed that global youth unemployment is set to reach its peak in the Middle East in the wake of the financial crisis. The International Labor Organization (ILO) suggests that this region has the highest unemployment in the world at 28.3 percent, expected to rise to 30 percent. In the midst of this, regional universities are producing more graduates than ever before. Despite the grim employment statistics, 67% of MENA employers are affirmative of hiring in 2013, according to Bayt.com’s Job Index Survey. The current employment landscape demands that upcoming graduates prepare strategically and streamline their approach to secure a position of interest either locally or globally. Therefore, we envision working on this project to address some of the key areas to develop a sustainable pathway for the young graduates in Middle East as highlighted in objectives. This project is being implemented in few phases.

Phase 1: Identifying potential mentors associated with the local hub.
Phase 2:  Executing Global Shapers Youth Empowerment Lecture Series across various universities located around the hub.
Phase 3: Developing a sustainable program for potential mentors and mentees to work towards future youth employment and empowerment issues.
Phase 4: Connecting others hubs regionally and globally to engage youths to address several challenges related to youth employment and empowerment.

About the Global Shapers Youth Empowerment Lecture Series: The lecture series are designed to empower the youths by sharing insights about different career paths and challenges. These lecture series will be conducted by industry experts from different sectors, such as Consulting, Finance, Engineering, Law, and Entrepreneurship. Through this series, we will be also identifying and connecting the potential mentees to develop a sustainable program for the near future. Contact me at ashique.rafi@gmail.com for more information.

Project Lead: Ashique Rafi