Middle East and North Africa: Interesting Initiatives

In the Middle East and North Africa, in the youth field, many interesting initiatives focusing on youth information have been undertaken. Some of the most important are described as follows.

Arab Youth InfoPortal (French and Arabic only, Supported by UNESCO and ISESCO)

www.jeunessearabe.info/sommaire.php3?lang=fr

This cooperative project between UNESCO and ISESCO aims at meeting the information needs of young people and youth associations in the Arab states. The portal is bilingual in Arabic and French and includes a rich online library and up-to-date youth information.

Euro-Med Youth Units in Euro-Med Program Countries

www.euromedyouth.net/spip.php?rubrique14

In nine of the ten Mediterranean Partner Countries, Euro-Med Youth Units were created in order to implement the third phase of the Euro-Med Youth Program of the European Commission. These are often quasi-governmental organizations (QUANGOs). Each has its own website listed on the website of the Euro-Med Youth Program (see above).

Information About (Governmental) Youth Policies in Middle Eastern Countries (by country)

www.infoyouth.org/cd_rmed/English/countrygov/choix_paysgov.htm

This online resource provides an overview of country-level initiatives and organizations involved in youth policies in the region. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether the website is regularly updated.

The King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement (KAAYIA)

www.kaayia.org

In the Arab world, youth are taking action to make a difference. Through hard work and perseverance they are contributing to the development of their communities, leading to impressive achievements throughout the region. In order to recognize these achievements and inspire present and future generations, the King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement (KAAYIA) invites young Arabs to showcase their success stories and the positive impact they have had on their communities. Through establishing micro-enterprises, promoting the peaceful resolution of conflicts, fostering intercultural dialogue, and creatively using technology to boost employment and educational opportunities, young leaders in the region are making a difference and inspiring their peers to follow their lead. The KAAYIA, under the management of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, seeks to reward these distinguished young leaders throughout the region by providing them with much needed support and recognition. The KAAYIA will enable these outstanding leaders to continue their good work, demonstrate what is possible to their peers, and in turn allow the concept of active citizenship to flourish and become an inherent part of the Arab youth culture.