Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation And IFC Introduce Jobs-Centric Model For Economic Inclusion In Arab States

In response to declining global aid budgets and increasing displacement, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, have launched a new initiative. This partnership aims to create jobs for refugees, internally displaced individuals, and marginalised youth in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. The focus is on sustainable employment rather than temporary relief.

The collaboration between AGF and IFC is designed to provide long-term recovery through sustainable livelihoods. By combining philanthropic capital with private sector expertise, they aim to invest in market-based solutions led by regional entities. This approach aligns with a global consensus that sustainable livelihoods are crucial for lasting recovery.

Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of AGF, emphasised the importance of building opportunities rather than providing temporary aid. "Opportunity is not given; it’s built," she stated. The partnership aims to mobilise employers, educators, investors, and communities around creating sustainable livelihood opportunities resilient to fragile environments' volatility.

The AGF-IFC partnership will offer nearly 7,000 young people from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan training in market-relevant skills. At least half of these beneficiaries will be women. They will receive education in Business English, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship support through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

The 1001 Stars JOBS4All Forum was held in Dubai to mark this new chapter officially. Leaders from various sectors gathered to discuss practical solutions for inclusive job creation across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The event included high-level panels and a strategic signing ceremony to foster collaboration among employers.

Hela Cheikhrouhou, IFC’s Vice President for the Middle East and other regions, expressed pride in partnering with AGF on this initiative. She highlighted the resilience of displaced individuals striving for better futures despite challenging circumstances. The project focuses on creating decent job opportunities for youth, women, refugees, and people with disabilities.

Integrating Philanthropy with Market Demand

The IFC-AGF initiative stands out by integrating philanthropic innovation with actual labour market demand. It addresses unemployment and displacement by creating pathways to employment that meet both challenges head-on. This collaboration offers a practical response to one of the region's most pressing issues: access to dignified work.

Launched in June 2024, IFC's 1001 Stars project unites companies from seven countries across the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It aims to create thousands of jobs and training opportunities for marginalised groups by providing tailored advisory support to help companies integrate more women and vulnerable groups into their workforces.

A New Approach for Lasting Change

This initiative marks a significant shift from traditional aid models that often fall short of growing needs. By focusing on long-term stability and opportunity in the Arab region through collaborative efforts between institutions like AGF and IFC, it represents a step forward in delivering lasting change.

The partnership reflects UAE's vision of combining philanthropy with business practices to enhance educational and employment opportunities for young people in fragile economies. By aligning philanthropic efforts with private sector expertise, this model sets an innovative precedent for addressing regional challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM