The historic events of 2011 sparked unprecedented political, economic and social change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Citizens’ calls for greater social equity, more equal opportunities and stronger economic development have placed job creation at the centre of public policy concerns. Governments in the MENA regions are presented with the challenge and the opportunity to explore new sources of economic growth to generate jobs for the 2.8 million men and women who will enter the labour market every year. This will require pursuing an intense policy reform agenda including an improved business environment, labour market reforms and investment and equal access to education and skills formation for men and women.