# Middle East Youth Initiative

> American nonprofit organization (2006-2012)

**Wikidata**: [Q6841367](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6841367)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_Youth_Initiative)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/middle-east-youth-initiative

## Summary
The Middle East Youth Initiative (MEYI) was an American nonprofit organization founded in 2006, primarily focused on addressing youth exclusion and unemployment in the Middle East and North Africa. It operated until 2012, with a research institute classification, and was affiliated with the Wolfensohn Center for Development.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 2006 (July)
- **Dissolved**: 2012
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Headquarters**: Washington, D.C.
- **Founders**: Wolfensohn Center for Development, Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government
- **Parent organization**: Wolfensohn Center for Development
- **Primary focus**: Youth exclusion, demographics of the Middle East and North Africa, economy of the Middle East
- **Classification**: Nonprofit organization, research institute
- **Website**: [shababinclusion.org](http://www.shababinclusion.org/) (2007–2014), [meyi.org](http://www.meyi.org/) (2014–2023), [Brookings project page](https://www.brookings.edu/projects/middle-east-youth-initiative/) (2023–present)
- **Funder**: Silatech (from 2009)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Middle East Youth Initiative?
A: The Middle East Youth Initiative (MEYI) was a U.S.-based nonprofit and research institute that focused on youth exclusion and employment challenges in the Middle East and North Africa. It operated from 2006 to 2012.

### Q: Who founded the Middle East Youth Initiative?
A: MEYI was founded by the Wolfensohn Center for Development and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.

### Q: What was the primary focus of the Middle East Youth Initiative?
A: MEYI primarily addressed youth exclusion, unemployment, and economic development in the Middle East and North Africa.

### Q: Where was the Middle East Youth Initiative headquartered?
A: The organization was headquartered in Washington, D.C.

### Q: When did the Middle East Youth Initiative dissolve?
A: MEYI dissolved in 2012, though its legacy continued through archived websites and research.

## Why It Matters
The Middle East Youth Initiative played a crucial role in addressing the significant youth unemployment crisis in the Middle East and North Africa, a region where youth unemployment rates often exceed 40%. By conducting research and advocacy, MEYI sought to identify systemic barriers to employment and propose policy solutions. Its work contributed to broader discussions on youth inclusion and economic development in the region. Despite its short operational lifespan, MEYI left a lasting impact by influencing policy debates and research on youth employment in the Middle East.

## Notable For
- **Research Institute Classification**: MEYI was one of the few organizations explicitly classified as a research institute in its field.
- **Collaborative Founding**: It was co-founded by the Wolfensohn Center for Development and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, reflecting its interdisciplinary approach.
- **Focus on Youth Exclusion**: MEYI was among the first organizations to systematically address youth exclusion as a key economic challenge in the Middle East.
- **Legacy Through Archival Work**: Its website and research remain accessible through web archives, ensuring continued relevance in discussions on youth employment.

## Body
### Origins and Founding
The Middle East Youth Initiative was established in July 2006 by the Wolfensohn Center for Development and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government. The organization was headquartered in Washington, D.C., and operated as a nonprofit with a research institute classification.

### Mission and Focus
MEYI’s primary mission was to address youth exclusion and unemployment in the Middle East and North Africa. It conducted research on the demographics and economic conditions of the region, aiming to identify policy solutions to improve youth employment opportunities.

### Funding and Partnerships
Silatech became a funder of MEYI in 2009, supporting its research and advocacy efforts. The organization collaborated with academic institutions and policymakers to advance its goals.

### Dissolution and Legacy
MEYI dissolved in 2012, but its work continued through archived websites and research. Its legacy includes influencing policy discussions and research on youth employment in the Middle East. The organization’s website was active until 2014, and its research remains referenced in later studies.

## References

1. [Middle East Youth Initiative](http://www.shababinclusion.org/section/about)
2. [Youth employment in the Middle East and North Africa: Revisiting and reframing the challenge. Brookings Institution. 2019](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/youth-employment-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-revisiting-and-reframing-the-challenge/)
3. [Source](https://silatech.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/social-entrepreneurship-in-the-middle-east-toward-sustainable-development-for-the-next-generation.pdf#page=2)