Reflective Journal: Youth Unemployment in Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria

This report is a reflective journal analyzing youth unemployment in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The author discusses the high unemployment rates in these countries, with Morocco at 28.80% in 2018, Tunisia at 35.78% in 2017, and Egypt at 34.43% in 2017. The report explores the role of active labor market policies, government initiatives, and the impact of skill mismatches. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between businesses and the government to address these issues. The author reflects on the skills gained during the seminar, including collaboration, communication, and the ability to focus on a job. The report concludes with the challenges of high unemployment rates on healthcare and retiree pensions.

Running head: REFLECTION
Reflective Journal
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1REFLECTION
Introduction- My participation in the NUMUN discussion seminar helped me gain a
sound understanding of the state of youth unemployment in four countries namely, Egypt,
Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
Body- We found that the unemployment rates have increased enormously in Morocco
to 28.80% in 2018, from 25.70% in the year’s first quarter. It was observed that active labour
market policies play an important role by intervening in the labour market and helping the
unemployed youth find reasonable work. We also found that in order to tackle the 35.78% of
unemployment in Tunisia (2017 estimates), inclusive and integrated approaches have been
formulated by the government to expand its economic opportunities. Tax leverage and
amendments to the labour laws will help in overprotection of the employees. Our discussion
also made us aware that an estimated 34.43% youth were unemployed in Egypt in 2017, and
diversification of the industries into new service lines will pave an effective path for fast
growth, thus creating new job opportunities for skilled and unskilled youth. We also
discussed about Algeria, whose economy is dominated by the gas and oil industry and reports
the lowest unemployment rates, in comparison to other countries (26.40% current reports).
The seminar helped in concluding that skill mismatches can be corrected by fostering
collaboration and unity between the businesses and the government, which can be promoted
by imposing training subsidies, and delivering financial perks. We apprehended that if the
youth are subjected to high unemployment rates in the aforementioned countries, providing
funds to health care and retiree pension will create challenges on the nation’s economy.
Conclusion- The seminar provided me with the opportunity to enhance several skills
related to entrepreneurship. Interaction with several people helped me develop the skill of
collaboration and effective communication. I also began respecting and valuing the opinions
and perceptions of my peers and colleagues. I have also realised my goal of staying focused
on a job and have also acquired the ability to learn.