The World Economic Forum’s ‘Special Meeting on Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Arab World’ held in Jordan over the weekend saw calls for women and young people to lead the way for the future of the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA).

David Arkless, president of corporate and government affairs at Manpower Group, leading a panel entitled ‘Driving Gains in Education’ told an audience: “We saw first-hand the determination and potential of young people to fight for change. […] Young people must shape the future of the Middle East and North Africa, but we need to provide them with the right investment, education and training.”

Arkless also led a private session entitled ‘Women’s Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Economic Growth in the MENA Region’, saying “As the Middle East is evolving rapidly, a new future is emerging with women as a vital contributor to the region’s future. It is our duty to remove the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. A combination of cultural perceptions, a lack of legislation and social programs and outdated stereotypes are all preventing women from fulfilling their true potential. The recent transformation in the Middle East-North Africa region has shown the creativity, passion and determination of women. We have seen women move from the sidelines to center stage in campaigning for change, and we must now allow them to enable a new dawn of regional growth and opportunity.”

“The region’s success is jointly in the hands of policy-makers, business leaders and educational institutions,” Arkless added. “We need real collaboration across all sectors, as it is our duty to provide women and young workers with the right tools to create sustainable employment.”

The unemployment rate in the MENA region is double the world’s average, including 25% unemployment amongst those aged 15-24, and 80% female unemployment. One of four persons, age 15-24 years is unemployed, while only one of five women of working age is employed.