The idea of establishing a specialized website on Arab youth NGOs was raised in view of the shortage in communication and cooperation among NGOs at the national and regional levels, with concerned official bodies, and with the United Nations System in general. The website, entitled: Arab Youth Directory (AYD) aims to serve as a platform for those involved to connect and network, to coordinate efforts and projects throughout the region, to establish partnership, and to exchange experiences and good practices. The long-term objective of this project is to enhance youth NGOs’ capacity building, and to empower them to participate in the formulation and implementation of youth policies; and to enable them to develop mechanism for national and regional cooperation. The potential for regional cooperation, particularly through networking of youth organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, is considered essential and will contribute to establishing the necessary mechanisms for youth development.

ESCWA is keen to broaden the scope of the Arab Youth Directory. Through the questionnaire posted on the Website, AYD would allow NGOs, official bodies and United Nations agencies to introduce themselves, and their youth related activities and projects. A number of such concerned stakeholders have already completed the questionnaire and are covered within AYD. For update purposes, ESCWA wishes to encourage all involved stakeholders to access the questionnaire key link, complete and submit the requested information, in order to be included on-line within the Directory.

The Chat Forum of AYD is accessible to all, it provides users with the opportunity to interact directly with civil society groups, youth NGOs, youth related official bodies, and young people themselves regarding pertinent and priority youth issues and concerns.

AYD will continuously maintain itself as the forum for updates, comments, suggestions, and challenging debates.