Arab youth have an optimistic view for the post-pandemic world: Survey

A majority of young Arabs are optimistic about their prospects in the post-pandemic world, found the 2021 annual Asda'a BCW Arab Youth Survey of people. The data shows positivity at a three-year high. Furthermore, the Saudi youth is more confident about an improvement in their lives.

The survey conducted in 50 cities in 17 Arab states showed that 60% of the youth agreed that "their best days lie ahead". The optimistic mindset is particularly strong in Saudi Arabia, where 82% of the youth is impressed with their government's handling of the pandemic, reported Arab News.

Youngsters of Saudi are in favour of inoculating against Covid-19, and 93% said that they have either taken a vaccine or plan to do so, compared with the regional average of 49%.

98% of participants from the Kingdom said that their economy is "heading in the right direction." They are also confident that Vision 2030 will succeed. Last year, 91% said that the strategy for economic and social reform would work.

The survey found that about 42% of the youth wants to work for the public sector. And this continuing appeal of government jobs may be holding back greater entrepreneurship across the region. But most youngsters think tackling public corruption is still a challenge.

Sunil John, president of BCW MENA region, said that the hopefulness of young Arabs is most pleasing, if somewhat unexpected. 33% said they or a family member had lost their job during the pandemic. He was referring to the "grave social and economic challenges facing much of the region". He added that regional decision-makers have a tremendous responsibility to ensure the ambitions of their young people are fulfilled, reported Arab News.

Young Arabs also want policymakers to deal with basic "kitchen table issues" such as the rising cost of living, the quality of education, and unemployment. Over a third of the respondents said they struggle to meet their expenses.

Survey took opinions of 3,400 people into account, split 50/50 between men and women. People of the age group 18-24 were included in the 13th edition of the annual survey.