Employment opportunities for youth to be raised to 5 million by 2022, says HH Sheikha Moza

Demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to youth empowerment and the great strides it has made to ensure the wellbeing of societies around the world, Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, Chairperson of Silatech and UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, revealed yesterday Silatech’s ambitious goal of creating 3 million employment opportunities for the youth globally. She urged the global community to make a collective effort to raise this number to 5 million by 2022.

A new announcement in #Geneva to create 5 million #employment opportunities by 2022 for #youth. #Silatech#Empowering_Youth #Transforming_Societies pic.twitter.com/Ln58HBNFKT

— Silatech (@Silatech) March 4, 2019

Speaking at the high-level event, “Empowering Youth, Transforming Societies,” organized by Silatech in Geneva, Her Highness highlighted the significance of youth empowerment in achieving global peace and stability, reported the Gulf Times.

She reiterated Silatech’s commitment to raising the level of youth empowerment, socially and economically, specifically in developing nations across the globe.

Great speech by H.E Sheikha Moza @Silatech. Telling the story of a young refugee who was a recipient of their support & realities of youth in crises. Ambitious goal of 5mil #youth empowered by 2022. @Federation fully supports. Let’s make it happen! pic.twitter.com/hLcCAWXJlp

— Dr Jemilah Mahmood (@JemilahMahmood) March 4, 2019

The rate of unemployment amongst the youth in the Arab region stands at 30 percent, which is one of the highest in the world, and stands in stark contrast to the 13 percent observed globally, Her Highness said.

"Without meaningful work, our young men and women have no hope for the future, leaving them more vulnerable to radicalization, violence, and political extremism," she reasoned, adding that the frustrations of not having a reasonable source of income impact the youth and worsen global challenges like poverty, social unrest, and illegal mass migration, according to Qatar Tribune.

Empowering #youth transforming society conference just started. Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, chair of Silatech board called for action to empower youth to participate in society, to move from despair to hope @CAUXIofC #youth

— Barbara Hintermann (@B_Hintermann) March 4, 2019

"Young men and women need the chance to earn a living that will allow them to support their families, contribute to society, and build better futures," she continued, highlighting that "this is the hope that Silatech offers."

Silatech, launched in 2008, collaborates with over 300 partners around the globe to empower youth and enhance their quality of life. More than one million young people in 17 countries have benefitted from the economic opportunities and jobs created as part of Silatech’s endeavors, reported The Peninsula. 

At the event in Geneva, Her Highness also shed light on some of the challenges faced by Silatech programs such as regional instability and economic exclusion, during a panel discussion. She underlined the importance of education in uplifting societies.

However, she said, “education without employment can lead to frustration and employment without education is a false dream.” If the real benefits of education are to be reaped, then education ought to be fulfilled by meaningful employment for the youth enabling them to serve as “the engine of economic growth.”

What are your thought on this ambitious target? Let us know in the comments below!
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Cover Image Credit: Twitter/@MatthiasThorns