The Arab Spring and its aftermath demonstrated the far-reaching geopolitical and economic importance of providing MENA youth with workforce-relevant skills and entrepreneurship opportunities. Today, the youth unemployment rate in the region stands at 31 percent, and university graduates make up nearly a third of the total unemployed population. In a landscape of over 300 million people with one of the world's youngest populations, how can international actors—from governments to corporations and foundations—provide more relevant training while helping generate business and employment opportunities? What are policymakers doing to address this challenge within MENA, and how can international education exchanges and other cross-border and cross-sector initiatives help?

Moderator:

Mina Al-Oraibi

Editor in Chief, The National

Speakers:

Jeff Maggioncalda

CEO, Coursera

Solveig Nicklos

Dean, Abu Dhabi School of Government