Introduction

Youth are the energy of the future. They are the groups closest to embracing new trends of change in the world and to committing the dedication and needed spirit to break the status quo and to ask for and implement alternatives. In the Arab region, youth are the largest age group among the Arab population. However, Arab societies still lack the proper structures for organizing youth activism, whether through volunteerism, youth activities, or networking opportunities.

Many obstacles face youth mobilization in the Arab countries; they are particularly affected by unemployment, deteriorating public education, and gender oppression. Moreover, it should be noted that youth participation is significantly hindered by the undemocratic mobilization and participation practices among many Arab civil society organizations (CSOs). This leads to a lack of proper structures that youth could work through, and thus limits youth involvement even with CSOs. Whereas, many active youth groups that have available enough resources for mobilization are often linked to political parties or governmental affiliations. Accordingly, youth participation in Arab countries in general is limited to specific groups and there is a lack of effective widespread mobilization of youth in most Arab societies.

Yet, Arab youth represent a great potential for the Region. They could represent a solid infrastructure for successful future Arab societies. For more involved Arab youth means higher numbers of informed and concerned Arab constituencies, thus more space for democratic practices in the Arab region.

ANND believes that youths have a core role in building the future of the Arab region. They should be given the chance and space to mobilize and invest their energies in various local, regional, and international processes. We look forward to working with youths’ groups from all over the Arab Region.