The 2023 International Labour Organization (ILO) youth survey revealed that in Tunisia and Egypt, 80% of youth aged 15-29 worked informally while youth inactivity reaches 17% in Spain and 25% in Türkiye (Education at a Glance 2023 report). The same report claims that for multiple reasons young Mediterranean women are much more vulnerable and affected by dropping out of school and precarious employment. International reports indicate that inadequate learning and skills are key factors contributing to high NEET (youth Not in Employment, Education or Training) rates. Most education systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region do not focus on developing critical thinking and other skills necessary for the labour market and active civic life.
Towards an Open and Inclusive Selection Process for the 8th Arab-European Youth Forum
Project Budget
EU Contribution
Countries
Partners
- To co-design and develop a transnational training program for Mediterranean youth CSOs, blending digital and face-to- face methods, focusing on engagement as a key skill for employment and addressing regional challenges through social and artistic innovation.
- To support and engage young Mediterranean people to advocate for positive changes in Mediterranean societies through the implementation of concrete local and transnational creative actions and promoting original projects.
- Trained 200 young people from Türkiye, France, Spain, Tunisia and Egypt, co-developing and applying innovative learning methods that fostered engagement and enhanced employment skills – digital, creative, and analytical – while addressing Mediterranean challenges.
- Strengthened young people’s civic actions.
- Fostered a transnational participatory dynamic.
- Co-design of a pedagogical framework for the MedYCI training program developed by young Mediterranean participants and experts across five regions.
- Creation of a multidisciplinary team of 30 trainers.
- 5 MedYCI training sessions implemented across 5 countries, directly engaging over 200 youngsters.
- Establishment of five MedYCI studios which will be fully operational to enhance creative young participants skills in each region.
- Strategic recommendations for the Mediterranean Youth Council ensuring they are informed by diverse youth perspectives across the Mediterranean.
- 5 showcases of 50 innovative ideas for a better future of the Mediterranean.
- 25 simultaneous local creative engaged actions executed by youth, across the Mediterranean.
- •10 transnational webtv show (Medtalk) created by MedYCI trained Mediterranean youth.
EVENTS
EVENTS
MEDIA
Statement by the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development: Towards an Open and Inclusive Selection Process for the 8th Arab-European Youth Forum
The Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development – MYF strongly invites for a unified, inclusive and transparent selection process for Arab youth participation in the upcoming 8th Arab-European Youth Forum: “Youth and Intercultural Dialogue in times of Artificial Intelligence” co-organised by the League of Arab States and the Council of Europe.
The forum’s objectives, as outlined, offer a unique opportunity for young people to engage in critical discussions surrounding intercultural dialogue, the impact of Artificial Intelligence, and the pursuit of a sustainable future. In this sense, MYF wonders: how will Arab youth be able to contribute to these discussions without a fair and inclusive selection method that reflects the forum’s objectives?
While the selection of European participants is done through an open call announced on the Council of Europe’s website, dated 24 June 2024, there still hasn’t been a method announced for the selection of Arab participants, this raises our concern that it may rely solely on nominations, similar to previous versions. This approach would limit participation and exclude a vast pool of talented and qualified youth who could contribute significantly to the forum’s success.
MYF proposes a two-pronged approach to ensure an equal, inclusive, and wider participation from Arab youth:
Shared Application Mechanism:
We urge the League of Arab States, the Council of Europe, and other involved parties to establish a shared open application mechanism that mirrors the application process for European participants. This mechanism should be readily accessible online and reviewed by an independent selection committee.
Dissemination and Outreach:
Widespread dissemination of the application process and forum details is crucial. MYF, alongside other youth organizations, can assist by promoting the forum and application details through our networks and social media channels.
We expect the project to yield several positive results and lasting impacts at multiple levels. Participants will leave the project with improved decision-making skills, enhanced self-awareness, and a stronger sense of social responsibility. The project will also create a network of motivated youth who can continue to support each other in their personal and professional endeavors. At the community level, we anticipate increased youth engagement in local initiatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and civic participation. On a broader scale, the project aims to influence regional and national youth policies by showcasing the benefits of empowering young people and promoting sustainable practices. By sharing best practices and outcomes through our partner organizations, we aim to inspire similar initiatives across Europe, ultimately contributing to the development of more resilient, informed, and engaged young citizens.
project includes:
Project Status
Completed
Countries covered
4
Start date
31-05-2025
End date
30-05-2027
Programme
Erasmus+
Key Action
Learning Mobility of Individuals
Action Type
Mobility of young people