africities 2009: the challenges and the opportunity

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Youth Development in MENA Cities: A Crisis and an Opportunity

Presentation for Africities Marrakesh, MoroccoDecember 17, 2009

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Global Trends A Rapidly Urbanizing World

Year 1970 Year 2000 Year 2020

63% RURAL

37% URBAN

53% RURAL47% URBAN

44% RURAL56% URBAN

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Global Trends in Urban Youth Development

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Almost half of the global population is under the age of 24

85% of world’s youth live in developing countries,

The majority of slums constitute a staggering 78.2 per cent of the urban population

Of the one billion slum dwellers in the world today, it is estimated that more than 70% are under the age of 30.

Almost half of the global population is under the age of 24

85% of world’s youth live in developing countries,

The majority of slums constitute a staggering 78.2 per cent of the urban population

Of the one billion slum dwellers in the world today, it is estimated that more than 70% are under the age of 30.

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Urban Youth: Developing a Framework

Youth in Transitionmoving from childhood through to the economic independence of adulthood. The World Bank World Development Report presents three strategic directions for policy makers that provide a valuable framework for understanding how to capitalize on the youth bulge opportunity: broadening opportunities, developing capabilities and providing second chances.

Youth and Urban SpaceDedicated youth spaces in urban centres have been shown to be key to both the physical and emotional wellbeing of youth. Studies have suggested that the provision of urban space can raise youth’s self-esteem, help them form close and healthy bonds with their peers and become aware of social issues which directly effect themYouth spaces also positively impact key issues such as health, for example lowering HIV AIDS infections

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Policy Recommendation 1The development of urban centres and programmes for youth that provide for their transitional needs. These spaces should provide job training and support entrepreneurial activities. The centres as well should support the social and physical needs of youth, providing space for recreation, and services in areas such as sexual health, and HIV AIDS prevention and care.

Policy Recommendation 2The development of youth programmes and centres focused on shelter related vocations. These trainings should include lifeskills and entrepreneurship training, and be linked to apprenticeships with local businesses. Policy Recommendation 3The development of programmes, and provision of space within established centres, for young women and girls. The programmes should be designed around the needs of young girls and women.

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Proposed Policy Recommendation Encourage community life and all forms of action which embody democracy and pluralism

Policy Recommendation Helping young people to participate fully in community life.Adapting the current partnership for social change and the types of youth organization.

Policy Recommendation Encourage the active participation of youth

Policy Recommendation Educate all those involved in politics and decision makers to fully take advantage of the valuable contribution that youth can make as active and responsible citizens.Implement from the local up to national level youth policies intersectoral integration and coherence.

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Proposed Policy Recommendation Reviving the Maison de Jeunes.

Proposed Policy Recommendation Encouraging young people to become involved in local development and not extras in many events and decisions affecting them are not caught unawares.

africities 2009: the challenges and the opportunity

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