The MENA YES! youth employment summit kicked off its first day in Casablanca with a high-energy exchange of ideas and solutions focused on addressing youth unemployment in the MENA region. Ministers, industry leaders and international partners gathered to discuss the future of work and the vital role that youth play in shaping it.

Thought-provoking insights from Moroccan ministers

One of the highlights of the day came from Morocco’s government representatives, who emphasised the importance of balancing business growth with job creation. They stressed that employment must be at the heart of solutions to national challenges, with a clear focus on economic development through job creation.

For Morocco, the manufacturing industry is a major driver of employment, with plans to create at least 400,000 jobs by 2030. However, the government also acknowledged that the country faces a significant challenge in integrating those not in education, employment or training into the workforce. Additionally, the high female unemployment rate remains a concern, signalling the need for policies that actively engage women in the labour market.

Addressing skills gaps for future growth

A key takeaway was the pressing need for employability skills and competency-based training to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. As the world shifts towards digital and AI-driven economies, it was made clear that investing in these skills is essential for future competitiveness. The call for competency-based training programmes and digital literacy initiatives was constantly emphasised throughout the discussions.

A poignant moment during the summit was the address by the Palestinian Minister of Labour, who shared stark statistics on the current employment situation in the war-torn country. With half a million people unemployed, a high percentage of Gaza’s population remains jobless, underscoring the severity of the crisis.

A regional focus on innovation and sustainability

Across the broader MENA region, several key factors were highlighted as critical to economic development and job creation, including:

• Digital skills: Upskilling youth in digital literacy and AI
• Renewable energy: Training programmes geared toward supporting the transition to sustainable energy solutions
• Sustainable agriculture: Developing modern agricultural practices that address food security while also providing employment.

These sectors represent not only economic opportunities but also solutions to the region’s pressing environmental and social challenges.

Inspirational initiatives and international collaboration

The summit also showcased innovative examples of best practices in youth employment initiatives from across the region and beyond. A particularly inspiring model came from the Netherlands, which presented its Orange Corners programme.  This initiative trains young people to become entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills and support they need to launch their own businesses.

There were also good practice examples of programmes that empower refugees in conflict zones by teaching them coding and technology skills. These bootcamps help displaced youth gain digital skills, offering a lifeline by enabling them to generate income even in challenging circumstances.

Youth: The change makers of tomorrow

Throughout the day, including during the youth panel session, the overwhelming sentiment was clear: youth are the agents of change. Their voices and ideas must be prioritised if the region is to move forward and address its socio-economic challenges. Some of the most memorable quotes included:

“Youth are the agents of change, their voices matter and the future is in our youths’ hands. They are a precious asset to the MENA region.”

As Day 1 of the MENA YES summit concluded, the importance of youth-led innovation, collaboration between governments and businesses, and the urgent need for skills development became increasingly clear. With another day ahead, there is no doubt that these crucial conversations will continue to shape the region’s future.