PwC has launched its second Global Youth Outlook, having engaged 2,200 children and young adults from diverse global regions to learn about their perspectives on the significance and future of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The report’s regional findings are based on approximately 810 children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 30 from eight countries in the region.
The report found that:
- Nearly 34 per cent of Middle East respondents are extremely or very familiar with the SDGs, compared to 23 per cent globally,
- Regional respondents rank Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) among their highest priorities,
- This prioritisation is followed by Quality Education (SDG 4) and Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3),
- Regional respondents also prioritise Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Peace and Justice (SDG 16) more than the global average, according to PwC.
- Sixty-five per cent of regional respondents place “considerable faith” in governments as positive changemakers,
- However, only 45 per cent of youth consider non-government and international organisations to be driving enough change.
- Youth in the Middle East are also reported to be more active participants in SDG initiatives they consider meaningful compared with their global peers.
- The “action gap” – the difference between the importance placed on SDGs and youth’s actual engagement – is narrower in the region.
Read more about the Global Youth Outlook report here.
