TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
BY PAULA JANE COX
"When we speak about utilizing innovation to transform our planet’s future and preserve its resources, to allow its citizens a life of unparalleled comfort in their old age, it is the younger generations to whom we must turn’’ - Henk de Jong, CEO Philips Latam.
And, the Middle East, with its rapidly expanding youth, holds the key to building the strong societies of tomorrow in the region. For the challenges we face here are but a microcosm of those faced by the entire world. – So, yes we have some challenges but the foreword puts it into perspective.
Who are the next generation?
The Millennial generation – those born between 1980-2000 – are today’s youngest working segment, and they also will become the largest, with estimates they will make up 75 percent of the global workforce by 2030.
As sited in the latest Aon Hewitt Qudurat TM research study; Along with the economic opportunities that exist in the Middle East, the region is similarly endowed with a young and growing population. According to an Arab Human Development Report (AHDR), “the number of children and youth is at an all time high in the region. The increase in the proportion of 15 to 24 year olds in the total population is referred to as the ‘youth bulge’ a rapid growth in the number of young people in the region’s modern history.”
This could prove to be a hugely significant demographic dividend. Having a larger proportion of the population in the working age pool may enable the region to develop a diverse and flourishing economy, based on its human capital potential. The reverse also applies. If the Arab world is unable to effectively develop its future generations, the outlook would look less promising and we could instead be facing a demographic time-bomb.
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