First Youth Project Workshop to be held at the Dubai School of Government

The workshop took take place from 23-24 February at the Dubai School of Government.

The workshop put into effect the partnership recently signed between the Dubai School of Government and the Brookings Institution's Wolfensohn Center for Development, which launches a two-year policy research initiative aimed at understanding and addressing the socio-economic challenges facing millions of young people in the Middle East region.

The workshop has drawn international participation of senior government officials, distinguished scholars, as well as prominent researchers actively involved in research design, implementation, analysis, dissemination, and policy outreach. Participants developed a framework for empirical research and analysis of issues related to youth and why young people are excluded from economic and social development in the Middle East.

The network of researchers associated with the project presented country specific background papers on youth exclusion in Egypt, Iran, Syria and Morocco. Other papers were presented on policy options for addressing unemployment and related issues of social exclusion.

The objective of the workshop was to reach a collaborative agreement on a cutting edge research agenda on youth issues in the Middle East.

Nabil Alyousuf, Executive President of the Dubai School of Government, said: "Through this initiative, we aim to gain a better understanding of the causes, manifestations, and impacts of youth economic exclusion in Middle Eastern countries. We have a strong commitment to raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the youth in the Middle East. The outcomes of such discussions will provide valuable lessons for our region.

"The Dubai School of Government is proud to host a workshop that highlights its commitment to develop a culture of academic excellence in the region."

By creating an alliance of academics, policy makers, the private sector and civil society, the project seeks to help develop more effective policies and programmes targeted at creating better employment and economic possibilities for youth in the Middle East.

Commenting on the initiative, James Wolfensohn said: "There are more young people in the Middle East than anytime before. Providing opportunities to the young generation is vital for the prosperity and stability of the region. By working closely with the Dubai School of
government, we are ready to push this agenda."