Youth organizations and initiatives mapped across the region
Semi-structured conversations with leaders of youth organizations
From the Gulf to
North Africa and the Levant
WeAreMENA’s first regional research study maps how youth-focused organizations across the Middle East and North Africa are building trust, dialogue, and practical cooperation across borders.
Based on 125+ organizations, in-depth interviews, and research across 26 countries, the study asks a simple but urgent question: what would it take for our region’s young civic leaders to become builders of a more connected MENA?
The research points to a shift in how youth should be understood in the region: not only as a demographic challenge or a target audience for policy, but as strategic actors capable of shaping civic regionalism from the bottom up. Across the region, youth organizations are already creating new forms of cooperation through education, culture, environmental action, entrepreneurship, digital networks, and shared heritage.
But the study also identifies a clear gap. The MENA region is becoming more connected through infrastructure, trade, energy, technology, and diplomacy, while social integration remains fragile. Roads, corridors, and agreements matter, but they cannot create durable regional cooperation without human trust, institutional capacity, and cross-border civil networks.
“The question is not merely how to connect the Middle East through corridors, ports, railways, or energy, but how to connect the people, organizations, and communities living and operating in this region.”
Chapter 1 – Regional Momentum
Regional infrastructure will not last without relationships, shared experiences, and institutions that help people work together.
The strongest collaborations begin with practical shared challenges – climate, water, employment, education, technology, culture – rather than abstract ideological debate.
Regional cooperation requires professional skills: geopolitical literacy, intercultural communication, mediation, ethical leadership, digital diplomacy, strategic thinking, and multi-partner collaboration.
The study translates its findings into a practical competency model for youth diplomacy in MENA. The model is a working tool for training, partnerships and organizational development.
Understanding regional politics, institutions, histories, and local sensitivities.
Creating safe spaces, managing bias, and building durable cross-cultural relationships.
Engaging religious communities through shared values and respectful dialogue.
Balancing local sensitivities with integrity, accountability, privacy, and human rights.
Using mediation, facilitation, and de-escalation tools to navigate tensions.
Using storytelling, media, and strategic communication to strengthen public engagement.
Reading trends, navigating uncertainty, and building sustainable structures.
Coordinating coalitions across civil society, government, philanthropy, education, and business.
Understanding regional politics, institutions, histories, and local sensitivities.
Creating safe spaces, managing bias, and building durable cross-cultural relationships.
Engaging religious communities through shared values and respectful dialogue.
Balancing local sensitivities with integrity, accountability, privacy, and human rights.
Using mediation, facilitation, and de-escalation tools to navigate tensions.
Using storytelling, media, and strategic communication to strengthen public engagement.
Reading trends, navigating uncertainty, and building sustainable structures.
Coordinating coalitions across civil society, government, philanthropy, education, and business.
“The potential of this trend is to transform youth
from a passive ‘target audience’ into active
ambassadors of regional integration.”
Chapter 2 – “Bottom-up” Regionalism
Research Director,
Migdalor Consulting
Researcher
Research Analyst
“Despite their different circumstances, all three countries appear to view youth as their most valuable asset for ensuring their resilience and future.”
Chapter 4 – An Inward Look