The IECD strengthened its initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa, confirming its position as a leader in the Mediterranean Basin.
In Lebanon the IECD continued to implement structuring projects across the country, notably in the area of vocational training and access to employment. The IECD also tried to meet the needs of the local people following the degradation of the socio-economic situation. Highly innovative work has also brought about the creation of new initiatives for training leading to a qualification, support for very small enterprises and development in the farming sector.

In Syria the IECD increased its impact amongst the beneficiaries by opening new training centres in new regions. In the Palestinian Territories the IECD has changed its set-up: after 10 years of successful support for small companies in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem the IECD no longer has a permanent presence in the country, instead focusing its action on supporting local stakeholders in education and training.
In Morocco the IECD’s activities have evolved, notably with the project of training on how to support people
with reduced mobility and with the creation of a project to support entrepreneurs. In Egypt the IECD increased
its support to female entrepreneurs focusing on new professions in order to secure decent jobs.

In Tunisia, the IECD’s first initiatives in the country have led to the creation of an olive oil project and a project for the duplication of the Second Chance Schools, with the schools set to be opened in 2022.
The MedNC network continues to develop its action amongst civil society organisations in the Mediterranean Basin in cooperation with the public authorities. The goal of this work is to have an influence on policy and to change things for the benefit of young people in the Mediterranean.