The programme provided new employment opportunities for Egyptian youth through partnerships with the Government, the UN system and the private sector.
Employment for Youth in Egypt (EYE): Providing a Reason To Stay
Duration: December 2017– October 2023
Budget: US$5,089,703 (UNTFHS: $2,000,000; Pooled Funding: $3,089,703)
Implementing Agencies: ILO (lead), UNIDO, UNDP, UNTFHS
The Nile Delta region, which hosts almost half of Egypt’s population, is a key source, transit and destination area for migrants and refugees. The region is also facing environmental challenges from rising sea levels, unchecked urban expansion and overburdened social infrastructure. To support the Government of Egypt’s commitment to advance opportunities for its young population, efforts that promote an integrated, coordinated and people-centered approach are essential to deal with the complexity of the interlinked challenges related to the migration-economic-climate change nexus.
The overall goal of the programme is to improve the human security of young men and women among local communities of the Nile Delta region by addressing the economic and environmental insecurities that contribute to high unemployment and irregular out-migration. The programme aims to (i) strengthen national institutions to support SME development and entrepreneurship among youth through public-private partnerships and technical assistance; (ii) mitigate economic insecurity with better job opportunities by enhancing youth employability and skills development in line with the needs of local industries; (iii) promote active participation and engagement of youth in their communities to mobilize them as active agents of change.
TACKLING THE ROOT CAUSES OF IRREGULAR OUT-MIGRATION
The programme focuses on tackling the root causes of irregular out-migration by increasing decent employment opportunities for young women and men in partnership with the government and the private sector. Through the establishment of a new micro, small and medium (MSME) development agency, the programme helps to identify and prioritize economic sectors and sub-sectors that maintain the highest growth and employment potential, provide training for job seekers, ensure access to financing for MSMEs, and scale up successful initiatives.
In addition, the programme addresses environmental challenges through multidimensional and integrated responses across sectors. For example, to manage waste and the degradation of natural resources, the programme develops waste-recycling mechanisms, which also boosts job creation at the local level. Another example is the promotion of agro-industries which combined with the promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural practices creates sustainable jobs in both sectors. These solutions are tailored to the context of each locality, ensuring that the adopted tools are relevant to current and future human security challenges.
KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary
Programme Facebook
Programme Brochure
Presentation on the HSU Mission
Press Release “Ministry of Trade and Industry Launches the Programme ‘Employment for Youth in Egypt (EYE): Providing a Reason to Stay’ jointly with ILO, UNIDO and UNDP”
Launch Event Flyer (EN)(AR)
Closing Event Presentation
Quarterly Media Reports (September 2019) (December 2019)
