SHABABEEK tackles some of the region’s most pressing challenges by focusing on two primary areas: youth employment and entrepreneurship, as well as civic engagement and political participation. Both areas are tackled with special attention to the Climate Agenda, Nature and Environment.  

Recognizing the high rates of youth unemployment, the project supports the development of policies, resources, and training programs that enable young people to start and grow businesses, with a special emphasis on greener business models and fostering opportunities in conflict-affected areas. By connecting youth with funding networks, business accelerators, and enterprise support, SHABABEEK helps turn entrepreneurial ambitions into stable, job-creating enterprises. 

In addition to economic empowerment, SHABABEEK champions youth involvement in public life. The project promotes civic engagement by creating a future forward curriculum for youth-serving organizations, strengthening youth-serving networks such as innovation hubs and youth councils, and encouraging youth participation in policymaking. This dual economic and civic focus allows SHABABEEK to have a broad impact addressing the larger goal of an improved social contract, supporting over 100,000 youth across 17 countries since 2015, while also partnering with more than 80 organizations on the ground. Through multiple initiatives, SHABABEEK fosters a culture of active participation and resilience in communities throughout the Arab region.