Facts and Figures

In 2011, about 15 million people were unemployed across Middle East North Africa (MENA), and many more underemployed – that number is now estimated to have risen to 17 million in 2013
In MENA, each year 4-5 million jobs must be created to avoid increased unemployment
The Arab world population is estimated to grow from 355 million in 2011 to 500 million by 2025
Government investment in infrastructure (outside the GCC) is less than 5% of GDP – China’s is 15% of GDP
While in 2011 oil exporting countries’ GDP grew by 4.9%, energy importing countries’ GDP growth declined to 1.5%

(*Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook 2012, ILO Global Unemployment Trends in 2012)

About Us

“The job ahead is not simply to rebound. We must spur new growth. Our region’s single greatest economic crisis – youth unemployment – pleads for action, double action: immediate relief, to meet urgent needs; and inclusive, high-growth strategies that can produce millions-more jobs we must have, soon.”

“His Majesty King Abudllah II”
World Economic Forum, May 2013, Dead Sea, Jordan.