Youth at the Centre of Government Action
A Review of the Middle East and North Africa
Young people have demonstrated resilience to shocks and led positive change in their
communities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Young people (aged
under 30) constitute more than half (55%) of the population across MENA, compared
with 36% of the population across OECD countries. While challenges vary significantly
across the region, youth unemployment rates are among the highest in the world, young
people tend to express low trust in public institutions, and nearly four in ten live
in fragile and conflicted-affected areas. The COVID-19 crisis has underscored the
need to place the needs of young people at the centre of an inclusive and resilient
recovery. To support this process, this report analyses current governance arrangements
and practices across 10 MENA governments in three areas: 1) uniting all government
stakeholders to implement a shared, integrated youth policy and deliver services to
young people; 2) building administrative and institutional capacities to mainstream
the perspectives of young people in policy making; and 3) encouraging the participation
and representation of young people and youth stakeholders in public and political
life.
Published on June 23, 2022
In series:OECD Public Governance Reviewsview more titles