Episode 34 - On Youth in Jordan from UNICEF's Youth Head

The Wilson Center

This month, the Riyada podcast commemorated International Youth Day – recognized on August 12 – by featuring vibrant, young entrepreneurs from the MENA region. In this interview, co-hosts Merissa Khurma and Imad Shawa sat down with UNICEF’s youth expert at Jordan’s country office, Giorgia Varisco, to learn more about what she sees as the most pressing challenges and promising solutions facing youth. Giorgia detailed the organization’s work to address Jordan’s high youth unemployment - particularly among women - with an emphasis on preparing young people for the world of work. This includes connecting them to employment opportunities and providing tailored programs to build entrepreneurship skills and increase access to finance.