Why Shabab?

"Shabab" is a popular word in Arabic which means youth. The Middle East Youth Initiative defines youth as those between the ages of 15 and 29. This range has been selected to reflect the prolonged transitions to adulthood faced by many youth in the region.

Today the Middle East contains the largest  proportion of youth in the region's history.  Rather than being perceived as a problem and source of social and economic pressure, this phenomenon can and should be recognized as a demographic gift. With the right policies and enabling environment, this demographic gift can be source of economic prosperity as well as positive social change.

In recognition of this, the Middle East Youth Initiative focuses on how to expand economic and social opportunities for youth; we approach development for the sake of development to create hope and positive change. The economic, social and political decisions made by policymakers today affect young people’s ability to lead productive lives and achieve their dreams.  Effecting policies that promote their wellbeing would, in turn, set in place the foundation for future prosperity and stability for our societies as a whole.