The Governance and Local Development Institute held a youth engagement roundtable in Arabic on October 31 2022 with prominent activists, researchers, and civil society leaders, examining the attitudes and aspirants of MENA youth. Participants discussed ways to promote youth political participation, focusing specifically on local politics in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Iraq.

MENA’s Youth Population MENA’s youth population is booming: 60 percent of the population is under the age of 30. 28 percent are between 15 and 29 years of age, totaling more than 108 million people. This is the largest youth population in the region’s history, yet, their economic prospects are grim, and governments impede their civil and political freedoms.

A recent survey conducted by Sada indicates that youth prioritize civil and political freedoms, seek improvements in the economic conditions of their countries, and want to reduce unemployment. The employment situation is especially dire: Only one-third of young people in the region have a regular income, while all others are temporarily or permanently without work. Youth also want to enhance peace and stability, bolster women’s rights, and support arts and culture.