Given record levels of youth unemployment, and political and social instability, young people in the Arab Region and around the world need positive role models more than ever. When young people themselves provide those role models, in those who have overcome social exclusion, underemployment and poverty to bring about positive changes in their communities and countries, the effects are even more powerful.

Given record levels of youth unemployment, and political and social instability, young people in the Arab Region and around the world need positive role models more than ever. When young people themselves provide those role models, in those who have overcome social exclusion, underemployment and poverty to bring about positive changes in their communities and countries, the effects are even more powerful.

Given record levels of youth unemployment, and political and social instability, young people in the Arab Region and around the world need positive role models more than ever. When young people themselves provide those role models, in those who have overcome social exclusion, underemployment and poverty to bring about positive changes in their communities and countries, the effects are even more powerful.

Given record levels of youth unemployment, and political and social instability, young people in the Arab Region and around the world need positive role models more than ever. When young people themselves provide those role models, in those who have overcome social exclusion, underemployment and poverty to bring about positive changes in their communities and countries, the effects are even more powerful.

Given record levels of youth unemployment, and political and social instability, young people in the Arab Region and around the world need positive role models more than ever. When young people themselves provide those role models, in those who have overcome social exclusion, underemployment and poverty to bring about positive changes in their communities and countries, the effects are even more powerful.

Given record levels of youth unemployment, and political and social instability, young people in the Arab Region and around the world need positive role models more than ever.

Last night, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme brought the achievements, commitment and energy of five young volunteers into the international spotlight through a unique partnership with MBC Hope, the corporate social responsibility arm of Middle-East broadcasting giant MBC Group.  The UNV/MBC Al Amal Youth Volunteering Award highlights the capacity of young volunteers in the Arab region to drive positive change in their communities. Moreover, it provides a platform for young people themselves to inspire each other and feel confident about their future.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and the Governments of Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen are working on a regional project to facilitate youth volunteerism for positive and sustainable social change. Formalized during the project's first board meeting in Amman in April 2013,  ‘Arab Youth Volunteering for a Better Future’ is currently being implemented in the five countries, following a year-long process of national consultations with youth in the region. The regional project aims to harness the power of youth and their energy through volunteerism.