Latest news with #jobOpportunities
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Number of visitors to Madinah jumps 18.7% in 3 years, reaching 18mln in 2024
MADINAH - The tourism sector in Madinah has witnessed significant growth of 18.7 percent in visitor numbers over the past three years, receiving more than 18 million visitors in 2024, compared with 14.1 million in 2023 and 8.2 million in 2022. According to a report issued on Wednesday by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, activities related to accommodation, travel agencies, and tour operations recorded an 18.7 percent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The report highlighted the sector's vital role in supporting economic growth and increasing the gross domestic product (GDP) through tourism spending on lodging, transportation, shopping, and other services, while also creating job opportunities in tourism-related activities and contributing to sustainable economic diversification. The chamber report outlined the key assets of Madinah's tourism sector, noting that the city is home to around 400 religious, historical, and cultural landmarks that attract visitors from across the globe. These include the Prophet's Mosque, major historic mosques, various museums and exhibitions, modern tourist destinations, and restored historical sites open to the public, such as valleys, wells, and archaeological locations—forming a major driver for tourism development in the region. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
#YouthMonth: Why South Africa's just energy transition needs young people, township entrepreneurs?
South Africa's shift towards a sustainable and green economy is underway, but for many young people, especially those in under-resourced communities, it remains a foreign language. While policy frameworks and investment plans gain momentum, the reality back on the ground tells a totally different story: the youth are eager to contribute but often lack the knowledge, access or support to step into this evolving space. To close this gap, we need targeted efforts that enable and empower them with relevant skills, open entry points and treat their inclusion not as a side project, but as central to the energy transitions' success. While it's often framed as the solution to multiple crises, the green economy's credibility hinges on one question: Is it being taken seriously by all stakeholders or is it just a gimmick? Filling the skills gap According to the Q1 2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, 45.1% of young people aged 15–34 are Neets (Not in Employment, Education or Training). Among 15–24 year-olds, the Neet rate sits at 37.1%, slightly higher for young women (37.5%) than men (36.7%). At the same time, the green economy is projected to generate over 250,000 jobs by 2030, many of which will require new technical, digital and soft skills. Yet, a significant portion of our youth are unaware of what these jobs look like, what skills are needed, and how to access them. The challenge and opportunity lie in connecting young people to these emerging roles. We have seen first-hand that green skills aren't only for engineers or scientists. They include a broad range of capabilities from solar PV installers and energy efficiency auditors to project managers, community liaisons, digital platform managers, and operations and maintenance technicians. Learners like Skhumbuzo Maseko from the Vaal, whose story reflects the untapped potential lying dormant across townships and rural areas. Skhumbuzo, who once felt his life was stalled, now confidently installs and maintains solar PV systems. He says: "I initially studied Metallurgy at university and have been unemployed since. I never thought I'd be working in renewable energy. I didn't even know it was an option. Today, I see a future I want to be part of." But good intentions alone will not bridge the gap between potential and progress. To build a green economy that is inclusive and enduring, we must challenge ourselves with hard questions: Are we funding the right programmes? Are youth voices being heard in strategy rooms? Are we designing real pipelines and pathways from training to employment, or just ticking boxes? Making change in these four ways - Curriculum reform and localisation TVET colleges and high schools must integrate green skills into existing curricula and do so in a way that is localised and practical. Youth should be taught not just about global climate goals but also be inspired to come up with innovative solutions which speak to their current community needs. - Public-private partnerships with purpose Public and private partnerships are essential in progressing the just in the energy transition. By deepening collaboration and co-creating youth-centred programmes, these partnerships can accelerate meaningful impact and ensure that efforts translate into lasting opportunities for young people. - Digital equity With the rise of e-learning and remote work, digital skills have become non-negotiable. Yet only 8% of rural households in South Africa have access to the internet at home and 66.3% on mobile devices, according to Icasa's latest report. Bridging this gap is key to making green jobs accessible to all. - Mentorship and storytelling Exposure is powerful. When youth see people like themselves succeeding in green careers, it reshapes what they believe is possible. Mentorship, community role models, and platforms like podcasts, local radio and YouTube can go a long way in shifting mindsets. We also cannot overlook the perception gap. While some stakeholders champion the green economy, others still treat it as a fringe sector or a tick-box for ESG compliance. If we're to shift this mindset, we need more data-backed investment, community buy-in, which includes simplifying the language and technical jargon as well as political will. More than a buzzword Ensuring that the green economy is inclusive requires deliberate action. We can start by making accredited training accessible in townships and rural areas, advocating for gender equity in hiring practices, and recognising the importance of youth participation, especially in small-to-medium enterprises, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a vital contribution to shaping the future of the sector. Green skills are not a buzzword; they are the currency of a sustainable future. We know it can be done, because we've seen it in learners like Mapaseka Mathobisa, from Bloemfontein, who received training and secured a job at one of the leading commercial and industrial companies in the energy sector. Her story is not an exception. It should be the norm. To truly answer whether the green economy is genuine or gimmick, we must look at who it serves and who it leaves behind. If we place youth, particularly those from marginalised communities, at the centre of our strategy, the green economy becomes more than a plan. It becomes a promise fulfilled.
CNA
4 days ago
- Business
- CNA
2,000 jobs at a fair, 25,000 jobseekers: Indonesia's unemployment problem
A recent job fair in Bekasi, Indonesia that offered some 2,000 positions and drew 25,000 people - with many shoving, screaming and fainting - has highlighted the plight of Indonesia's jobseekers. Why is Indonesia grappling with unemployment?
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Cocoon Factory opened in Karak's Al Hussein Industrial Estate
AMMAN — Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat on Saturday inaugurated an agricultural production factory at Al Hussein Industrial Estate. During the inauguration ceremony, Hneifat said that the Cocoon Factory is a "qualitative" project that aims to support the national economy and contribute to enhancing the circular economy and environment sustainability, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister said that the government has adopted the cocoon technology, "using a biodegradable vessel that nurtures tree growth in harsh and arid conditions", in order to make cocoons locally available with "reasonable" prices and sufficient amounts for governmental and private forestation projects. He said that the factory, supported by the ministry with JD200.000, is the first among 20 factories that the government will establish across Jordan, which will contribute to boosting sustainable agriculture, save water and address climate change. Hneifat expressed appreciation to the Arab Potash Company (APC) for supporting the project that would create more than 100 job opportunities in the coming years. APC Chairman Shehadah Abu Hdaib said that the company's social responsibility programme is based on partnership with various initiatives and supporting the community empowerment and environment projects. Abu Hdaib said that the APC's support to the project reached JD450.000, stressing that the company will continue working with the government to build on opportunities that would support local communities and achieve sustainable development. Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) Director General Fadi Nasser said that the project is "a model for the actual development innovation", noting that the importance of the company lies in gathering environmental, social with economical dimensions. Cocoon Company Director General Hisham Dheissat said that the project is the outcome of cooperation between the public and private sectors, stressing that local communities are a partner in the preservation of nature. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans to transform Oxfam HQ into lab space
Plans have been submitted to turn Oxfam's headquarters into an office and lab space. GreyArc Investments Limited have applied to Oxford City Council for planning permission to turn the building on John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park, Cowley into a life science or office facility and "create a significant number of job opportunities". The charity said it had signed the lease for a new workplace within the ground floor of a smaller building on the same site, to help reduce costs. Councillor Saj Malik, who represents Temple Cowley on the city council, has raised concerns about the knock-on effect of creating new science and tech jobs on the city's housing shortage. Oxfam's HQ moved to Oxford Business Park from Summertown in July 2005, and the building was sold to Sutton Council in 2016. It was put on the market for £60m in 2023 and sold to a private investor for £37.1m in April 2024. Oxfam's lease on the building ran out in March. Plans for the move include adding an extra floor to the building, as well as a gym and café area on the ground floor and a row of columns outside the building. This comes after the charity announced it was trying to save £10.2m in wages, and that 265 jobs were at risk of redundancy. According to the planning statement the proposal will "create a significant number of new job opportunities" and the plans would "positively contribute to Oxford's role as a leading hub for research and development and life sciences within the UK". It adds the building could be used by multiple tenants and connectivity to the business park would be improved by upcoming plans for the Cowley Branch Line. But Mr Malik said many Cowley residents felt "it's too much, too quickly and gentrification is being imposed on communities without thought of the impact". "While I fully encourage investment into Cowley, this kind of development often doesn't benefit the people who live here in terms of job opportunities," he said. "Already we have a shortage of housing in Oxford meaning teachers and nurses have to live elsewhere causing recruitment and retention difficulties." A spokesperson for Oxfam said they hope to move in July. "The new office space is smaller and will support us to reduce our costs," they added. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Charity shop donated guitars fetch £12,000 at auction Oxfam GB puts 265 jobs at risk of redundancy Charity shop 'shocked' as Bible sells for £56,000 Charity volunteers write next chapter for bookshop Charity calls for second-hand festive party shopping Oxfam Oxford City Council
