Civic Participation

The Challenge

Despite wide-spread misconceptions, the majority of youth in the Middle East, if given the chance, are more interested in contributing to their society and future than being involved in extreme behavior.  Young men and women in the region are expecting to exert greater influence in shaping their societies. Yet there are too few formal avenues and institutions for youth to expand their voice so that their activism may positively impact their societies. The challenge remains with Middle East countries to provide an enabling environment for young people to give voice and actively participate in economic, political and social affairs.

The Opportunity

Young people are at the heart of a process of political change and debate that now defines the region. They are emerging as agents of change in some countries which are moving towards more participatory forms of government. Through the expansion of civil society and the rise of local social and environmental movements, young men and women can be mobilized to exert greater influence in shaping their societies positively.

A Fact

A survey with a nationally representative sample of 2,400 Egyptian youth showed that 67 percent were never involved in any school activities. Only 13 percent of the respondents did some kind of volunteer work.