The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Tunisia and the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark organized an event entitled “Green Horizons: Youth and Employment” on 28 May 2025, in Tunis. The event addressed key challenges and opportunities related to youth employment and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on green growth sectors.
Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in the Arab region, with rates estimated at 24.4% in 2025 according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). In Tunisia, the situation is more severe, with youth employment reaching 40.5%, and even higher among women at 43.3%.
The event showcased successful experiences and practices, including initiatives from the UNDP Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator, implemented under the framework of DAPP. This regional initiative supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan, with a strong focus on empowering youth and women.
Participants included young people, government officials, private sector actors, civil society, and international partners. Together, they explored practical solutions to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship in Tunisia, particularly, particularly in the context of the green transition and sustainable development.
The event highlighted national efforts, including the Government of Tunisia’s commitment to youth through the National Youth Strategy 2025. These initiatives underscored the government’s resolve to create inclusive and future-oriented opportunities for youth. It highlighted promising practices from the public, private, and international cooperation sectors. The event was a great opportunity to strengthen synergies between stakeholders and ensure active participation of young people in the co-construction of concrete solutions to achieve economic and social transformation.
“This event is not just about discussing challenges—it’s about co-creating solutions with young people at the center,” said Mary Kawar, Director for the UNDP Regional Hub for the Arab States. “By bringing together youth, government, the private sector, and international partners, we aim to drive real progress on youth employment and green growth in Tunisia. These efforts contribute to broader regional and global dialogues on the future of work, economic transformation, and inclusive development.”
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed-UNDP)
