In Syria, Launch of Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Training Programme

In Syria, UNFPA has launched a youth business startup and communication training programme, which kicked off in December 2015 after a competitive application process. More than 170 young people applied and 28 successful candidates have been selected to participate in this entrepreneurship programme. The first cohort graduated from a three-week training course at the end of 2015, which covered ten thematic areas designed to promote leadership, participation, and skills to enter the labor market among young people severely affected by the ongoing crisis in Syria.

The project will enable a cohort of Syrian youth with skills and resources to start their own business startup, including the basics of marketing, management, leadership and business design. The project is further anticipated to enable these young people from different communities and backgrounds to work together, increasing their cohesion, as well as their integration and inclusion in the community at-large. The first cohort is now poised to launch their own community-building startup micro-projects in 2016.