EU4Youth launch National Steering Group on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan

A National Steering Group on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship was launched on 12 June in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the third phase of the EU4Youth programme funded by the European Union.

The National Steering Group serves as a long-term collaboration platform that involves stakeholders from different sectors (public, private, and third sectors) working together to enhance youth employability, employment, and entrepreneurship in the country. Its primary objective is to encourage open communication and consultation among these stakeholders with the ultimate goal of improving job prospects and fostering entrepreneurial endeavors for the youth.

Even though youth unemployment in Azerbaijan has reduced in the last couple of years, it still remains an issue, with far-reaching consequences for the entire nation. Total rate of unemployment for youth ages 15-24 was 13.4% last year, according to the World Bank. Meanwhile the national unemployment rate in Azerbaijan is much lower, about 7%. The data also showed differences between male and female youth. In 2022 unemployment rate for male youth in Azerbaijan was 12.3%, while about 16.5% of female youth was without work.

It’s crucial to tap into the collective expertise of various stakeholders to devise comprehensive and effective solutions for youth employment and employability in Azerbaijan. That’s where the National Steering Group will play a vital role, guiding the initial stages of initiatives and ensuring their successful implementation.

Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania Mr Egidijus Navikas was pleased to see that this project makes a relevant contribution to the youth of Azerbaijan and wished a productive and effective work for the Steering Group members.

As the group’s work progresses, it aims to create a more favorable environment for graduates to secure good job opportunities in different sectors across the country. Through cross-sectoral cooperation the programme also seeks to foster a culture of innovation and self-empowerment, enabling young individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to the economic growth and development of their communities.

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Financed by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the EU4Youth Phase III Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme is being implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The initiative will continue its activities until the end of 2024, focusing on providing technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in addressing youth employment and employability. 

EU4Youth Phase III Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme focuses on three key areas to empower youth in partner countries. The first is skill development, with an emphasis on digital, green, entrepreneurial, and career management skills. The second area involves establishing institutional structures that promote collaboration among public, private, and non-governmental entities to enhance employability and career opportunities for disadvantaged youth. The third area includes scholarships aimed at deepening young individuals’ understanding of European politics and governance in Eastern partner countries.