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.
Advisory Council on Youth of the Union for the Mediterranean
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
Advisory Council on Youth of the Union for the Mediterranean
MYF launched a sign-on letter calling for the creation of an Advisory Council on Youth at the UfM. The Council would give youth across the region a formal space to shape policy, join UfM programs, and ensure their needs are included in regional strategies.
The UfM has no youth advisory body, which limits input in decisions and program design.
To date,187 youth leaders and civil society groups from 14 countries have signed the letter in support.
If created, the Council would add diverse voices to policy, ensure fair gender and regional balance, and involve youth in UfM ministerial meetings. It would also promote knowledge exchange, cooperation, and inclusion across the Euro-Med region.
STAKEHOLDERS
- UfM Secretariat: Experts on programs and youth engagement
- Member state officials: With youth policy experience
- External youth policy experts: Specialists in Euro-Med issues
- Youth leaders and CSOs: Representatives aged 18–30 from the region
MYF’s Call to Action
MYF calls on the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and its member states to establish an Advisory Council on Youth under the UfM framework, providing a structured platform for youth participation in regional policy-making and program development.
To support this call, MYF encourages:
Endorsing and signing the collective Sign-on Letter calling for the establishment of the Advisory Council on Youth.
Mobilizing youth organizations and networks across the Euro-Mediterranean region to promote and share this initiative.
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