PwC report finds that youth in Saudi Arabia are prepared to drive sustainable development in the region

• Report surveyed 810 children and young adults between the ages of 10 to 30 from eight countries, including Saudi Arabia.

• 91% of youth respondents in Saudi are aware of the SDGs goals and initiatives.

• Priority areas for youth in Saudi  include Quality Education, Clean Water & Sanitation, Zero Hunger, Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions and Affordable & Clean Energy.

• 76% of youth in Saudi see the government as doing the most to help the planet and people followed by community.

Riyadh, KSA, 12 August 2024 – Middle East findings of PwC's second Global Youth Outlook report highlights the significant role that youth in Saudi Arabia are playing in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report indicates that youth across the Middle East are showing higher awareness and engagement with SDGs than their global peers. Around 91% of youth respondents in Saudi are familiar with the SDGs. The findings present a valuable opportunity to bolster youth involvement within relevant programmes and policy making, especially within Saudi Arabia.

The findings of this report capture the perspectives, ambitions, and engagement of approximately 810 children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 30 from eight countries in the region. Their unique perspectives, challenges, and aspirations are crucial in shaping the policies and initiatives for sustainable development in the Middle East. The Saudi based respondents share what they believe to be the pivotal goals that will help build a better future for sustainable development across the Kingdom. These priority areas include; Quality Education, Clean Water & Sanitation, Zero Hunger, Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions and Affordable & Clean Energy. 

Riyadh Al Najjar, PwC Middle East Chairman of the Board & KSA Country Senior Partner, said: “The regional findings of PwC’s Global Youth Outlook are incredibly encouraging. The clear alignment between the aspirations of Saudi youth and the goals of Vision 2030 presents a powerful opportunity to accelerate equitable progress. These young people are not just the future of Saudi Arabia, they are its present, actively shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for themselves and generations to come.”

Regional respondents rank Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) among their highest priorities, echoing a pressing reality as five of the world’s most water-stressed countries are in the Middle East. This is closely followed by Quality Education (SDG 4) and Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3). Contrastingly, regional respondents prioritise Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Peace and Justice (SDG 16) more than the global average, reflecting a desire for peace amid geopolitical unrest and innovation-powered economic growth. 

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Their involvement in shaping sustainable development is of imperative value,” says Rami Nazer, Partner, EMEA Government & Public Services Leader, PwC Middle East, said. “Middle Eastern youths have a uniquely vested interest in bringing the ambitious SDGs to life.. Our report clearly shows their priorities and apprehensions, pointing to a massive opportunity for policymakers, NGOs, businesses and community initiatives to deeply engage and empower them as stewards of the future world. By prioritising and promoting youth involvement, the Middle East can meaningfully lead the Vision 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The high familiarity of Saudi youth with the SDGs is largely attributed to the government’s strategic initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritises citizen engagement, sustainable development, and comprehensive reforms. These efforts have helped foster a strong sense of confidence in national leadership. The report identifies 76% of youth respondents in Saudi Arabia believe the government is the primary driver of positive change, when compared to 65% of regional youth. 

Extending beyond above-average awareness, youth in the Middle East are also reported to be more active participants of SDG initiatives they consider meaningful compared with their global peers. The “action gap” – the difference between the importance placed on SDGs and youth’s actual engagement – is narrower in the region. This is in part due to region-wide youth empowerment programmes that engage them in development projects, policymaking and ambassador programmes that galvanise participation. 

The integration of the SDGs initiative into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and other strategic agendas, has resulted in significant levels of awareness and participation in youth engagement and programmes. The report explores how collaboration and shared responsibility are crucial components to achieving sustainable and equitable development across the Kingdom and Middle East, paving the way for a brighter future in Saudi Arabia and beyond Vision 2030.