A.  Summary:

The methodology used to gather information on youth organizations for the 10 countries under study was multifold. An initial desk research was performed to locate and identify organizations related to youth in the countries included in this directory. The research focused on locating governmental organizations, non governmental organizations, research centers, and other organizations that include youth programs as part of their activities. The tools used to gather the information ranged from internet research, questions to embassies and ministries, and use of other directories.   

Once identified, a questionnaire was sent out electronically to organizations and ministries in these countries. The questionnaire included questions on contact details, organizational structure, strategy, activities, programs, partnerships, and funding. The follow up included telephone calls placed to most of the organizations and two reminder emails. On site in depth interviews were conducted in Lebanon when deemed necessary to gather further information.  

For consistency purposes, we used the international standard for youth recognized as between the ages of 15 and 25 (United Nations). As the research unraveled, we discovered that countries such as Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan shared the majority of the youth organizations and programs from among the countries studied. The countries considered being part of the Gulf region and Syria lagged behind in this respect.

Our research has uncovered a total of 221 youth organizations and organizations with youth programs in the region which also include government agencies and Ministries. Please see below table for specifics.   

For reasons of clarity, youth organizations in this directory have been classified by country and those with a clear regional mandate have also been categorized as such.   

Statistics used in each introduction are sourced to the United Nations (UN) Youth Unit. 

The youth organizations in this directory apply to the scope of our research and findings only. The actual number of youth organizations and youth programs may thus differ to our findings.

B. Youth Organizations Definitions 

Youth: The youth bracket may vary from country to country in the region, so we have adopted the United Nations definition which places youth between the ages of 15 and 25 years.

 Governmental Youth Organizations: Ministries and/or related organizations that formulate and can execute policies regarding youth issues. In the Middle East, many ministries may have departments dealing with youth through a single coordination body.   

Non Governmental Youth Organization: A non-profit group or association organized outside of institutionalized political structures to realize particular social objectives and are not subject to government supervision. In most of the Middle East, government approval may still be necessary.