KAS Lebanon Office

The KAS Lebanon Programme organized a workshop with MASAR in cooperation with the YFYP on the Lebanese youth and the labor market.

Dr. Kamal Hamdan opened the seminar with a presentation emphasizing the severe economic problem in Lebanon and the impact on youth unemployment.

The main topics addressed throughout the workshop were the following: the decline of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the subsequent squeezing of public funds; the absence of a clearly articulated public budget; and most importantly, the current regional conflict which is reducing opportunities for the Lebanese with the Syrian crisis contributing to an estimated 30% surge in Lebanon’s population.

It was observed that if the Syrian workforce kept increasing, this could lead to a dangerous tension between the Syrians and the Lebanese although some maintained that this competition is exaggerated because most Syrians opt for more informal jobs. It was also highlighted that international humanitarian and relief aid is not enough to help Syrians in Lebanon. Foreign investment must also be promoted as this would increase the supply of jobs for both Syrians and Lebanese and be a more effective and sustainable solution.

The second part of the workshop consisted of a discussion held between 3 groups of 10 to 11 representatives of various youth-wings of political parties. It was agreed that youth-wing organizations within political parties should collaborate and advocate their common agenda of tackling youth unemployment together.

A common statement with demands and recommendations is being drafted and will be shared to the media and relevant ministries.