On International Youth Day, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is spotlighting Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to empowering its young people. Almost half of the Kingdom’s population is under the age of 40, making the youth a crucial part of the country’s future.
International Youth Day, celebrated each year on August 12th, focuses on recognizing the contributions of young people to society and addressing the issues they face. This year’s global theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights how technology is changing the world and creating new opportunities for youth.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a range of new initiatives under the theme “Our Youth is Our Wealth.” The ministry has introduced 20 new programs designed to support and empower young Saudis. These initiatives are part of the Kingdom’s broader Youth Development Strategy, which aims to enhance both development and employment opportunities for young people.
As part of this strategy, the ministry has recently conducted over 15 workshops to raise awareness about the Youth Development Strategy and its benefits. These workshops are intended to help young Saudis understand and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Additionally, the ministry has launched a professional certificate program specifically for young workers. This new program aims to provide young Saudis with essential skills and qualifications that will improve their job prospects and career advancement.
In Saudi Arabia, individuals aged 15 to 39 make up the largest segment of the population, underscoring their importance in driving the country’s economic and social progress. The government’s initiatives are designed to leverage this large and dynamic group to foster economic growth and societal development.
International Youth Day was first proposed at the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1998. The UN General Assembly adopted this recommendation on December 17, 1999, officially designating August 12 as International Youth Day, with the first celebration occurring in 2000.
Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has seen a notable decrease in youth illiteracy rates. From 2007 to 2017, literacy levels improved significantly, especially among young women. This progress reflects the success of various educational programs and government initiatives aimed at increasing educational attainment among Saudi youth.
The role of Saudi youth extends beyond education into the workforce. According to government data from 2019, there were 1,489,520 young Saudis aged 15-34 working in the labor force, which represents 47% of the total Saudi workforce. This significant figure highlights the essential contribution of young people to the country’s economy.
Moreover, recent statistics show a positive trend in reducing youth unemployment. Over the past four years, the unemployment rate among Saudi youth has dropped by 11.5 percentage points. This decrease is more pronounced among young women, whose unemployment rate fell by 13.9 percentage points compared to an 11.6 percentage point decrease for young men. Despite these improvements, young women still face unemployment rates that are more than three times higher than those of their male counterparts.
The government is working to address this disparity through targeted programs designed to support and integrate young women into the workforce more effectively. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all young Saudis have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the Kingdom’s economic development.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development remains focused on youth empowerment as a key element of Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future. By investing in the growth and development of young people, the government aims to build a strong foundation for the country’s long-term success.
As Saudi Arabia observes International Youth Day, the commitment to supporting and empowering young people is clear. Through its various programs and strategic initiatives, the Kingdom is working to unlock the full potential of its youth and drive forward its goals for growth and prosperity
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