A vision, conceived by the Arab Thought Foundation, for the inclusion and development of young people – preparing them for their role as future leaders of the region. This vision is supported by His Royal Highness, Prince Khaled Al Faisal and run under the supervision of the administration board and the president of the executive committee of the FIRK conference. His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Al Faisal is a member of the board of trustees.

These are the facts: more than two-thirds of the population in the Middle East are aged between 25-32. Unemployment across the region ranges from 10-20% and our youth is particularly affected. They’re facing tough times. On top of this, young people are caught between traditional values, the push of globalization and the influence of different cultures. It’s hard sometimes not to feel confused.

GIVING A VOICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE

The Youth for Change Project is an ongoing collaboration between the Arab Thought Foundation, the Library of Alexandria and the online social network TakingITGlobal.org.

The aim of the project is to help give a voice to young people in the Arab World.  It hopes to encourage greater community engagement and to inspire our young people to take a positive, active role in tackling global issues from climate change and poverty reduction, to youth employment and access to education.

The Arab Thought Foundation ‘Youth’ programme embraces a range of activities with the aim of:

The idea for an online youth gateway was sparked by a chance discussion between two young Arabs – a Palestinian and an Algerian.  They had witnessed the power of the internet in bringing together online communities and were keen to harness its potential for a tech-savvy generation of young Arabs.