“I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition.”
– President Barack Obama, June 4, 2009
The Challenge:
The Middle East and North Africa region is experiencing the highest regional youth unemployment rate in the world, more than 25%. The demographic youth bulge in the region has potential to significantly contribute to long-run economic growth, yet there remains serious underinvestment in education and innovation in many of these communities. No development strategy can be sustained while young people are out of work, and failing to invest in young people now will require substantially greater investments in the future.
The Solution:
Launched in April 2010 by Secretary Clinton, Partners for a New Beginning provides a coordinating platform from which 10 locally-owned and locally-driven partnerships have been launched. As of September 2011, PNB Chapters have been launched in Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Jordan, Mauritania, and the Palestinian Territories. Additionally, the establishment of a local PNB chapter in Libya is currently underway. Each local chapter is responsible for identifying country-specific priorities and gaps, identifying projects that address these gaps, and working with local and American partners to implement projects. PNB and its partners have launched, expanded, or pledged support for more than 120 new projects since the partnership began in September 2010.
How it Works:
PNB builds partnerships that:
