Qatari youth make up 15% of the Qatari population, who generally grow up in large families with extended kinship ties that are highly influenced by tribal authority and traditional culture [...]

The first is the challenge for youth in a changing demographic and socioeconomic setting. Qatar is undergoing remarkable demographic changes; among them are rising age at first marriage, reductions in childbearing and rising levels of divorce. Qatari youth are being positively and negatively affected by globalization, especially the revolution in information and communications technology. The ongoing and far-reaching changes present new challenges and exciting opportunities, especially in building capacities for the youth to participate in all spheres of society. Youth need to adapt to modernization as well as rapidly changing demographics. The trends call for intercultural understanding and tolerance, as well as intergenerational dialogue.

The second is building knowledge and expanding education opportunities. Qatar has made large investments in education and training infrastructure for young Qataris, and multiple opportunities now exist. But education performance is not progressing at a commensurate pace, despite a decade of reforms. Stronger incentives and opportunities to retain youth in education through the tertiary level are required.

The third is enhancing youth participation in the labour force. Qatar’s economic diversification aspirations necessitate building the country’s human capital to create a more productive and skilled labour force. Given that the number of new Qatari entrants to the labour force each year is lower than what the economy demands, it is imperative that incentive structures are strengthened to increase youth labour force participation at higher skill levels.

The fourth is improving health and well-being. Qatar has made substantial investments in its healthcare system towards achieving the QNV 2030 goals of world-class standards. As in most affluent societies, being overweight and obese is highly prevalent among young Qataris. The country also faces high mortality and disability rates because of road traffic accidents, especially among young men. The report suggests policies that promote self-care and preventative measures to reduce risk-taking behavior and encourage a health and active lifestyle among youth.

The fifth is the empowerment and civic participation of youth. Today’s young men and women are tomorrow’s workers, parents, citizens and leaders. Youth need an enabling environment in which they can be encouraged to participate in their own and Qatar’s development. Young people are an asset to their communities, and pathways need to be established to ensure their inclusion and participation in all aspects of development.