Tunisia Taps into Young Potential

The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) in Tunisia, Arnaud Peral, highlights the importance of this collaborative approach. "We have created, at the request of the government, a multi-partner trust fund specifically for youth employment," he explains. A multi-partner trust fund pools resources from various governments and organizations to support a common goal, like youth employment in Tunisia.  

This fund goes beyond simply gathering financial resources; it's a platform for collaboration. "It brings together key partners like the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the African Development Bank," says RC Peral. "The Netherlands have already contributed €10 million, with Canada and Italy showing interest too." This collaborative approach ensures international support aligns with Tunisia's national strategies, such as its Youth Strategy and sector-specific initiatives. Ultimately, the fund helps accelerate progress and make public policies more efficient by fostering strong partnerships.  

RC Peral shares examples of how this collaborative model is already making a difference, such as the fund's targeted support for young entrepreneurs, which includes connecting them with mentors, training programmes, and market opportunities. "We've facilitated a partnership between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to boost agribusiness in six territories,” he explains. This programme, benefiting over 2,000 young people, will create a digital marketplace where emerging agribusinesses can connect with a wider market and promote and sell their products.  

He also points to another programme, ‘Creative Tunisia’, which empowers young artists by providing them with digital platforms to showcase their talents and reach a global audience. "Implemented in collaboration with UNIDO, Creative Tunisia has established centres across the country to support young creators,” RC Peral explained.  These centres provide access to digital platforms, expanding the reach of their creations and connecting them with international markets.   

Digital inclusion, access for all 

Digitalization is a crucial tool for unlocking opportunities for young people. "Tunisia, with its high rate of technology adoption, is well-positioned to leverage the power of the digital revolution," he notes. However, he cautions that this transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background or location, can benefit from these advancements. In this regard, the UN is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that young people have the skills and access they need to thrive in the digital economy. 

By embracing innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, Tunisia is working to empower its young generation to build a brighter future for themselves and the nation.