Taawon Launches New Research Study on Promising Sectors and Youth Skills in Palestine as Part of the “Learn to Lead” Program
Taawon announced today the launch of a new research study examining promising economic sectors and the core skills Palestinian youth need to thrive in them. The study was unveiled at Taawon’s headquarters in Ramallah as part of the “Learn to Lead” program and the wider initiative to develop youth competencies within high-growth sectors in Palestine.
The event brought together representatives from local and international institutions, along with experts in education, training, and employment. It opened with an overview of the “Learn to Lead” program, followed by a detailed presentation of the study’s methodology and key findings by Solutions for Development Consulting Company, which prepared the research.
The study highlights a growing disconnect between education outputs and labor market requirements, especially at a time when youth unemployment remains high. Using a mixed methodology that included global literature reviews, PCBS data analysis, and extensive consultations with experts and institutions, the research presents a clear picture of the sectors with the strongest potential for job creation and youth absorption in Palestine.
According to the findings, four sectors stand out for their growth potential and capacity to employ youth:
manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, financial and insurance services, and information and communications technology (ICT).
These align with global trends showing a shift in workforce needs toward digital skills, technical adaptability, and competencies required for emerging green-economy transitions.
The study also identifies a set of cross-cutting skills essential for young people entering these fields, including project management, business development, digital creativity, financial literacy, analytical decision-making, and data-driven problem-solving. These insights provide a roadmap for designing evidence-based youth training pathways, including internationally recognized micro-credentials that respond directly to market demand.
In his remarks, Dr. Tareq Emtairah, Taawon’s Director General, emphasized the central role of human capital in Palestine’s long-term development.
He stated:
“Investing in Palestinian youth is the foundation of any meaningful development. Our responsibility as a development institution is to provide young people with the knowledge and opportunities that allow them to discover their potential and access high-growth sectors. This study, under Learn to Lead, gives us a practical and evidence-based tool to design more impactful programs that truly respond to changing labor market needs. Youth empowerment is not a slogan. It is a commitment that must be built on solid research and a clear vision for the future.”
The launch event included a panel discussion with representatives from the public and private sectors, focusing on translating the study’s findings into concrete training models. Panelists stressed the importance of aligning education and vocational pathways with real labor market needs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for youth in Palestine and beyond.
Taawon concluded the event by affirming that the study will serve as a key reference for shaping future programs with partners. The findings will guide ongoing efforts to strengthen youth skills, expand access to promising sectors, and support young Palestinians in contributing to the development of a resilient and competitive national economy.
