Tamkeen Leads Participation in the World Economic Forum’s New Vision for Arab Employment
As part of its efforts to support the growth of Bahrainis and Enterprises across all stages of development, Tamkeen announced its support to the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s initiative: The New Vision for Arab Employment, launched this week to help tackle the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s high youth unemployment rate and close skills gaps.
Under the scheme 100,000 individuals, across the MENA region, will receive skills training and job readiness preparation by the end of 2017, enhancing their employability and investing in the long-term economic growth of the region. Tamkeen has committed to provide training for up to 20,000 Bahrainis and to support the development of 2,000 of the Kingdom’s entrepreneurs over the course of the next two years, making Tamkeen one of the largest participators in the pledge.
Tamkeen’s Chairman Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa, commented on the announcement: “Development of human capital is the most critical factor for the sustainability of economic development. In Bahrain, Tamkeen has continuously worked in upskilling Bahrainis to be able to have the necessary operational and practical knowledge that matches with the private sector’s requirements and needs. With WEF’s latest vision, the Arab world is set to go through a shift that will help stabilise the regional economy and create better opportunities for youth. Bahrain, with Tamkeen’s support to making Bahrainis the employees of choice for the private sector, will be able to further expand its support to help achieve this vision.”
“Tamkeen is committed to providing training, consultancy and support for those who need it. Upto the end of 2015 we have supported over 130,000 Bahrainis and enterprises. By participating in “The New Vision for Arab Employment”, we hope to encourage more Bahrainis to fulfil their ambitions and achieve their goals. Bahrain already has in place the network of supporting institutions that will allow Bahrainis to benefit from this initiative to develop and thrive.”
Speaking from Davos where the WEF Annual Meeting is currently taking place, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) commented on the launch of the initiative: “Developing the education and skills of the Bahraini workforce has always been a priority for the government. This has produced great results and Bahrain now has one of the most highly-educated populations in the region, however, there is always room for improvement. Initiatives such as these are a great way to inspire people and encourage their personal development, and in Bahrain, they will always find help and advice available from organisations such as Tamkeen and the EDB”.
The New Vision for Arab Employment provides a platform to help business leaders in the region address factors contributing to unemployment and skills gap. To date, 14 regional organisations have made specific commitments to this goal, including Saudi Telecom (STC), Zain Group, Al Shaya Group, King Abdullah Economic City and Jumeirah Group