New Web site and First Series of Working Papers on Youth Inclusion

The Middle East Youth Initiative, a joint partnership of the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings and the Dubai School of Government, today launched a Web site, www.shababinclusion.org, and announced six new working papers on Middle East economic inclusion topics ranging from analysis on the state of youth in specific countries to the economics of marriage.

The initiative seeks to advance understanding of economic and social issues affecting youth and affect regional efforts aimed at greater youth inclusion through targeted policy recommendations.

The Middle East contains the world’s largest youth cohort between the ages of 15-29, accounting for 30 percent of the region's total population. Youth unemployment rates are higher than any other region, and the majority of young people face significant challenges transitioning from education to employment to family formation.

“Given the favorable economic prospects for the Middle East, now is the time for action. Government leaders are recognizing the importance of addressing the concerns of young people. Solutions are emerging from civil society, the private sector and youth leaders themselves.” said James D. Wolfensohn, founder of the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings and former World Bank president.

The new Web site offers regional research and other information in Arabic and English, and also provides interactive services, facts, in-depth country spotlights from the region and personal stories of Middle East youth.  Future events, such as a Brookings briefing on January 7th, are also highlighted on the site.

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Visit the site:  www.shababinclusion.org