Milad Pournik

Abstract

The Arab Spring of 2010 has not yet quite turned to summer, even after 14 years. The hopes of increased inclusion and life with dignity are yet to come to fruition for many in the region. This is especially the case for the youth, who continue to struggle for a secure future and make the most of their potential. The question is how can young people realize their full potential to contribute as agents of sustainable development? Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) are one way to empower youth to secure employment. Employing a literature review and case study approach, this paper explores the context of youth unemployment across the Arab region. It reviews the status of youth-focused active ALMPs in the region, delving into their nature, strengths, and weaknesses. It offers a regional picture in addition to presenting two case studies of Egypt and Jordan. Finally, the paper offers several concrete policy recommendations for the way forward. These include maximizing the potential benefits of ALMPs alongside other policies, improving the targeting of ALMPs towards youth, reforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in the region, ensuring systematic and rigorous monitoring and evaluation of ALMPs, and improving coordination among stakeholders involved with ALMP provision. Still, more research is needed to support the charting of a new path that enables youth in the Arab region to realize their potential in the economic realm.

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Keywords

Active Labour Market Policy
Youth unemployment
Arab region
Egypt
Jordan

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How to Cite
Pournik, M. . (2025). Active Labour Market Policies Targeting Youth in the Arab Region: A Regional Review. Academic Network for Development Dialogue (ANDD) Paper Series, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.29117/andd.2024.017
Section
Articles in English