The Arab world is grappling with significant unemployment rates, particularly among youth and women, prompting international organizations to launch new initiatives aimed at alleviating these economic challenges.
On November 1, 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the European Union (EU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), unveiled the job-matching platform 'Foras' during a press conference held in Tripoli, Libya. This innovative platform is expressly aimed at bridging the gap between job seekers and potential employers, illustrating the collaborative effort to revitalize Libya's labor market.
Dr. Sophie Kimekhadze, the UNDP Resident Representative, stated, "The launch of the Foras platform marks a significant milestone and is part of our commitment to enhancing Libya's workforce and supporting its economic transformation." This platform is viewed as a much-needed step toward addressing the rising challenges of unemployment across the region, particularly as the economic instability has left many young individuals without job opportunities.
The Foras platform operates as a highly structured job-matching service, enabling job seekers to create profiles showcasing their educational backgrounds, experiences, and skills, thereby attracting employers who are searching for qualified candidates. Employers can also publish job vacancies free of charge, making it easier for candidates to explore and apply for available positions.
"The EU is proud to be a key partner in the Foras platform. It will contribute to improving workers' skills and matching job offers with labor market demand, benefiting those most in need, especially women and youth," remarked Mr. Nicolo Maracci, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Mission to Libya. This emphasis on inclusive job creation is especially relevant, as recent statistics indicate alarmingly high unemployment rates for both youth and women across the Arab region, pointing to systemic economic disparities.
The downturn of the economy has negatively impacted many sectors, and data reveals the youth unemployment rate now exceeds 30% among certain populations within Libya. Women, who historically face additional barriers to employment, are disproportionately affected by the rise of joblessness. This new initiative aims to provide equitable access to training and job opportunities, thereby fostering greater socioeconomic stability.
To facilitate the connection with job opportunities, the Foras platform integrates professional training institutions, providing job seekers with access to necessary skills training aligned with market requirements. This strategic partnership is expected to strengthen the capacity of the workforce, empowering job seekers with the tools they need to succeed.
Adding to the narrative, Ms. Jihan El-Sakkar, Social and Economic Expert at the AfDB, commented, "The Foras job efficiency platform aligns with the AfDB's youth strategy for Africa, addressing the ever-evolving needs of today's youth amid global technological changes and aiming to connect skilled young workers with opportunities in the private sector for decent jobs and improved livelihoods." This perspective highlights the importance of adapting to the shifting economic climate and addressing challenges head-on.
Since 2017, the UNDP has supported national and local institutions to reinforce recovery efforts and build peace throughout Libya, promoting comprehensive strategies for economic recovery and social cohesion. The collaborative nature of initiatives such as Foras demonstrates the commitment to restoring economic stability and reinforcing the importance of public-private partnerships.
The humanitarian aspect of these efforts cannot be overstated. By fostering environments where businesses can thrive and communities can build toward more prosperous futures, the UNDP and its partners are paving the way for significant economic transformation. The collective commitment from all stakeholders aims not only at addressing immediate employment needs but also at laying the groundwork for sustainable growth within the region.
Experts agree the success of Foras could influence similar initiatives across the Arab region, as countries seek to tackle rising unemployment levels amid post-conflict recovery and economic restructuring. With tangible tools to match job seekers with employment opportunities, the hope is to reverse the troubling trend of youth and women unemployment and guide Libya toward more stable economic fortunes.
The urgency to improve job availability and reduce unemployment rates cannot be overstated, particularly as the Arab world stands at the crossroads of economic revitalization post-conflict. Stakeholders are hopeful these initiatives will yield positive outcomes, paving the way toward long-term stability and prosperity for the people of Libya and beyond.