TECGREMED

Addressing unemployment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a pivotal objective shared by both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and European policies. Relevant SDGs include SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), which collectively strive to foster inclusive economic growth, eradicate poverty, and diminish inequality, thereby combating unemployment in MENA. European strategies supplement these goals through initiatives like the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), which focus on bolstering socio-economic development and job creation in MENA countries. Moreover, the European Union's (EU) External Investment Plan (EIP) mobilizes investments in sectors conducive to employment generation and sustainable development in partner nations.

​

On other level, the European Union (EU) is steadfast in its commitment to advancing sustainable and green practices, aligning closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are pertinent to fostering a more environmentally conscious future. Key among these are SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). These goals collectively address various aspects of  sustainability,  including  renewable  energy  adoption,  innovation  for  sustainability,  sustainable urbanization, responsible consumption and production patterns, climate change mitigation, conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and biodiversity preservation. By aligning with these SDGs, the EU endeavors to lead the way in promoting sustainable and green actions, contributing to global efforts to achieve a more sustainable future.

​

Youth unemployment has been a persistent problem in Jordan, with statistics showing a high rate of joblessness among young people. According to the World Bank, in 2020, the youth unemployment rate in Jordan was estimated to be around 27.2%, higher than the national average unemployment rate of 18.5%. This high rate of unemployment among young people is a significant challenge for the country, as it limits the potential for economic growth and exacerbates poverty and social issues. The government of Jordan has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment, such as skills training and job placement services. However, more comprehensive efforts are needed to tackle the root causes of youth unemployment in Jordan, such as a lack of job opportunities and a mismatch between the skills of young people and the needs of the labor market.

​

Refugee youth in Jordan face particularly high levels of unemployment, which can have a significant impact on their well-being and future prospects. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the unemployment rate among Syrian refugees in Jordan was estimated to be as high as 83% in 2020. This is a stark contrast to the already high youth unemployment rate in Jordan, which affects both Jordanian and refugee youth. The limited job opportunities and the difficulties in obtaining work permits for refugees are major contributors to this high rate of unemployment. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, causing a decrease in the number of available jobs and increasing competition for the few available positions. Addressing the high rate of youth unemployment among refugees in Jordan is crucial in ensuring their integration into the local community and promoting their well-being and future prospects.

​

According to the UNHCR, as of 2021, there were approximately 671,000 registered refugees in Jordan, with the majority coming from Syria. The age groups of refugees in Jordan are diverse, ranging from children to the elderly. However, the majority of refugees in Jordan are of working age, between 18 and 59 years old ("Jordan - Syrian refugees" (2021), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)). The age group distribution of refugees in this area is similar to that of refugees in Jordan, with a majority of working-age individuals ("Iraq - Syrian refugees" (2021), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

​

There have been several studies that have analyzed the technical skills needed for the job market in MENA countries like Jordan. These studies have found that the demand for technical skills in Jordan's job market varies depending on the industry sector. However, some common technical skills in high demand include:

(Jordan IT Industry Report" (2020), "Jordan's Engineering Industry Report" (2020), "Renewable Energy in Jordan" (2021), "Environmental Protection and Conservation in Jordan" (2021), "Technical Skills Demand in Jordan's Job Market" (2021)) .