EAA Foundation leads global dialogue on youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and education in times of crisis at Second World Summit for Social Development

Doha, Qatar: On the opening day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global educatio...

Doha, Qatar: On the opening day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, convened two high-level sessions in partnership with global organisations to address some of the most pressing challenges facing youth and vulnerable communities around the world.

EAA’s Silatech Programme, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), hosted a high-level session titled “An Introspective Look: From Challenges to Solutions for Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment Programming” The session will take stock of youth employability and employment programming and progress towards SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. As part of this examination, the high-level event aims to identify meaningful solutions to move the needle forward on tackling youth unemployment through encouraging innovative approaches to decent work and social inclusion. The aim of the session is to highlight the importance of prioritising relevant and responsive youth employability and employment programmes and policies that respond to the major global shifts and realities of today and the future.

Speakers included HE Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director-General of QFFD, HE Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of International Organizations Department, MOFA Qatar, Laura Thompson, ILO Assistant Director General for External and Corporate Relations, Laurent Biddiscombe, Executive Director for Global Client Solution, AFD, Dr. Issa Faye, Director-General, Global Practice and Partnerships, IsDB, Susana Puerto-Gonzalez, Head, Youth Employment Unit, ILO, Hayfa Al-Abdullah, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director, QSTP, Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,Senior Vice President, Global Impact Initiatives, USCIB (US Council for International Business), and Carolin Vollmann, Head of Division in the International Department of the German Trade Union Confederation, EAA. The panel also featured the voices of two youth changemakers, Sharon Odongo and Khalid Al Kuwari. Participants discussed how rapid technological shifts, climate change, and demographic transitions are reshaping labour markets, and underscored the need for adaptable, inclusive strategies that empower youth to thrive in evolving economies.