The urban population of the Arab States, which already quadrupled between 1970 and 2010, will more than double by 2050, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programe’s (UN- Habitat) new report. The report entitled “The State of Arab Cities 2012: Challenges of Urban Transition” is the first issue of the UN- Habitat program in the Arab countries. The report highlighted that youth employment is one of the most pressing issues facing the Arab world, noting that more than half of the population of the region is under the age of 24, which needs providing employment and affordable housing for the future generations. It also noted that the Arab Spring highlighted the urgency of this phenomenon.
The report added that in addition to the unemployment there are other challenges facing the region such urban planning, housing and service provision.
Jordan News Agency – Petra
May 9
