Tala Sweis

Youth Culture and Empowerment - Jordan (Maghreb and Middle East)

Tala Sweis comes from a small, seemingly insignificant desert kingdom struggling for economic and social survival, as well as regional peace. However, owing largely to its strategic location at the crossroads of the Holy Land, Jordan has assumed significance beyond its size, and has become embroiled in the wider conflict that is the “Middle East”.

Since 1995, Tala has worked tirelessly on a number of different development projects aimed at improving the lives and community involvement of women, rural communities and young people. Tala believes that the country’s large youth population represents a valuable resource, which remains largely untapped. “Lack of youth participation in the decision-making process is a major concern. High levels of poverty and unemployment, as well as restrictions on the freedom of expression means that young people are not being used for achieving sustainable community development.” The answer for Tala lies in developing a “Regional Action Forum” where youth from all Arab countries can identify regional concerns and common solutions can be sought. Tala hopes that the forum will provide an effective platform for young people to address policy-makers so that their vision of a more just and peaceful society has hope of realisation.