Jordan 2015 - The Future of Jobs

TL;DR

Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in the MENA region, with demographic growth, a mismatch between education and job market needs, and a reluctance to work in the private sector being key factors.

Transcript

ladies and gentlemen we would like to welcome you to this uh discussion panel uh as part of uh we for the Mena region held at the de se our session's uh topic is a topic that is of importance to each family Lea is at the last year of school what uh is she going to specialize in Samy also is going to leave his work and to find another job Ramy is te... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Demographic growth and a youth bulge in the MENA region have led to high levels of youth unemployment.
• 🪡 There is a mismatch between the skills acquired by youth and the needs of the private sector, hindering job opportunities.
• 🔒 Reluctance to work in the private sector is driven by a perceived lack of social security and benefits compared to public sector employment.
• 🖤 Political instability, the global economic crisis, and lack of coordination among Arab countries are significant challenges in addressing youth unemployment.
• 🔒 The private sector must provide more attractive job opportunities, match salaries and benefits offered in the public sector, and collaborate with educational institutions.
• 🖐️ Civil society organizations play a crucial role in providing job opportunities and vocational training to youth.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does youth unemployment remain high in the MENA region despite increased investment in education?

While education has improved, there is a mismatch between the skills acquired and the needs of the private sector, leading to a lack of job opportunities for educated youth.

Q: What are the challenges faced by Jordan in combating youth unemployment?

Jordan faces challenges due to political instability and the impact of the global economic crisis. Lack of coordination among Arab countries to address unemployment and the influx of refugees also compound the problem.

Q: How can the private sector in the MENA region attract and retain youth talent?

The private sector needs to work on providing better job opportunities, matching the salaries and benefits offered in the public sector. Collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions can help bridge the skills gap.

Q: What role does civil society play in addressing youth unemployment?

Civil society organizations can provide job opportunities and vocational training to youth. Government support, including funding and streamlined processes, is crucial in enabling the growth and effectiveness of these organizations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Demographic growth and a youth bulge in the MENA region has led to high levels of youth unemployment.

• Despite increased investment in education, there is a mismatch between the skills acquired by youth and the needs of the private sector.

• Reluctance to work in the private sector is driven by a perceived lack of social security and benefits compared to public sector employment.