I think it’s key for businesses to be open to working with other businesses on this topic as well as NGOs - to be open to learning from each other and replicating best practices. Youth employability is a global challenge and in many industries, so the answer involves collaboration on the part of businesses too. Forums like this discussion are a great way to share experiences and explore new ideas and initiatives.
I agree with Sandra… partnerships are really important.
Do your research before you do anything and speak to others who have done what you are trying to do
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A massive thank you to everyone for being a part of the discussion today. This page will stay up so if you want to add your thoughts, please do, simply login and hit reply
A written summary of the session will be available shortly, so if you would like to be included, please do pop your contributions into this chat before the 10th June
Thanks Katie, it was a great session.
It was nice platform though I joined late, on my observations its circular to leverage and increase opportunities for youth in employment and self employment
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First and foremost, Katie, thank you for facilitating such a thought-provoking discussion. It’s filled with innovative ideas that truly stimulate our thinking.
Over the past two decades, we’ve found that involving youth in business operations is not only personally fulfilling, but it also drives efficiency and creates lasting impact.
One common objection that we often encounter is the perceived “lack of skills”. Additionally, there are concerns that embedding interns into high-performance teams could potentially lead to inefficiencies and slow progress.
While there may be some truth to these arguments, it’s crucial to adopt a “pipeline” perspective. Realistically, no novice hire, regardless of their level, will seamlessly transition into a new role without some level of training or support. Reflect on your first job—didn’t you require some training? Didn’t people question your skills? We all start somewhere.
Consider the scenario in a high-tech manufacturing industry. The complexity of designs often surpasses anything a new recruit could have previously encountered. Do we dismiss them for lacking skills? Absolutely not. Instead, we invest in their growth and expedite their learning process.
This “pipeline” ideally originates in high school. Introducing younger individuals to the workforce has proven to be transformative. Over the years, assigning them significant tasks, providing mentorship, and allowing them to take ownership of their projects has had profound impacts. A note from our recent intern encapsulates this sentiment, “…I am deeply appreciative for the opportunity to acquire new skills and for the responsibility entrusted to me with the project…”
“From Poverty to Opportunity: Empowering Yemeni Youth through Entrepreneurship and Economic Development”
Dear Members of the Poverty Alleviation Forum,
Warm greetings to you all,
It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your participation in this vital forum, which serves as a key platform for exchanging ideas and working together to confront one of the most pressing challenges in our region—poverty.
My name is Abdulwahab Mohammed, General Director of the Middle East Forum for Development and Peacebuilding, and Head of the Youth Situation Chapter in Yemen. I am honored to be among you today to contribute to this collective effort toward building a more just and dignified future for all.
Yemen is currently facing a complex humanitarian crisis as a result of years of conflict and war, with youth bearing the brunt of its consequences. The war has led to the deterioration of education and employment opportunities, widespread unemployment, and economic and social instability—all of which have deepened poverty levels among young people and deprived them of their basic right to a decent life.
There is an urgent need for a systematic shift in how we address this issue, by adopting effective programs for economic empowerment, enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling youth access to resources, building their skills, and creating real opportunities for them to contribute to development.
In this regard, I would like to propose the following key recommendations:
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Launch vocational and entrepreneurial training programs tailored to local market needs and capable of providing sustainable job opportunities.
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Provide financial incentives and promote partnerships with the private sector to support youth-led small and medium enterprises.
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Support social and technological innovation as a means of addressing community challenges through youth-driven solutions.
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Enhance access to finance through simplified mechanisms and crowdfunding platforms.
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Engage youth in decision-making processes related to economic and development policies in the country.
I truly believe this forum offers a valuable opportunity to build a strong support network and exchange best practices across sectors in order to chart a clear roadmap for combating poverty and empowering future generations.
I welcome your feedback and ideas and look forward to productive dialogue and meaningful collaboration.
With sincere regards,
Abdulwahab Mohammed
General Director, Middle East Forum for Development and Peacebuilding
Head of the Youth Situation Chapter – Yemen