Youth Employment Working Group

The Youth Employment Working Group for 2022-2023 will take as overarching theme that of youth unemployment across Europe. After hosting a research workshop, the group will use the June EYE 2023 workshop to showcase its research and collect insights from peers, from which the team will collaboratively publish a response – concluding its term. Publications leading up to the workshop will focus on how unemployment has been defined and approached by policy makers, as well as lateral issues affecting youth unemployment.

More broadly, the Working Group will reassess how different types of labour should be viewed in the context of employment, the suitability of existing provisions for tackling youth unemployment across Europe, and the effects of external factors on employment trends. The former might encompass publications on unpaid internships and the suitability of acronyms such as NEET in a ‘gig economy.’. The latter might consider provisions for employment support across socio-economic groups, in rural areas, relationships between employment and social policy, and current unemployment strategies. Finally, a focus on external factors will allow discussion of the ongoing impact of climate change on workforces, the role universities play in training students for the workplace as well as the re-examination of changes to conventional workplaces and the effects of the pandemic.

Head of the Working Group – Montassar Ghazouani

Montassar Ghazouani is a dedicated advocate for Tunisian youth, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law at the University of Law and Political Sciences of Tunis. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Political Science, establishing a solid foundation for his passion. Montassar’s journey in advocacy began with a pivotal internship at a prominent Tunisian non-profit organization, where he delved into the influential role of civil society in shaping political landscapes.

Fueled by this experience, he is driven to transform Tunisian youth from passive participants into active architects of their own destinies. Beyond academia, Montassar is committed to addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment, channeling his energy into meaningful initiatives to unlock the potential of his peers. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Montassar serves as a skilled communicator and persuasive advocate, navigating complex legal and political terrains to advance the cause of youth empowerment. He stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a generation to dream bigger and strive for a prosperous future.

Marten Wesebaum

Meet Marten, a graduate of the University of Aalen, where he earned his degree with a Bachelor’s Thesis on the phase-out of Web Tracking Cookies – a testament to his strong affinity for data collection. He has gained diverse international experiences, from teaching in Panama to studying in San Francisco. Moreover, he showcases his leadership capabilities in his role as a seminar leader, where he prepares prospective volunteers for their engagements abroad. Marten also actively contributes to program conceptualization and enhancement for these volunteers. Professionally, Marten’s passion for data and data analysis drives his role as a Performance Marketing Manager at a start-up. This company is dedicated to reshaping access to psychotherapy in Germany through innovative approaches, a project that resonates with his vision and values.

Krystof Jehlicka

Kryštof is an Erasmus Mundus master’s student in Global Studies at the University of Leipzig, Germany and will study his second year at the University of Wrocław, Poland. He holds an MA(SocSci) in Economics and Geography from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. During his undergraduate degree, he was particularly interested in the socioeconomic situation of marginalised communities in post-Brexit Britain, notably migrants from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in Scotland. Similarly, he intends to continue focusing on the unequal employment conditions in his current degree and as part of the EST’s Working Group on Youth Employment, focusing more closely on the precarious work dynamics within the wider CEE region.
 

Maheen Tanveer

Maheen is a graduate of International Relations from National Defence University, Pakistan. Her academic background has nurtured a deep interest in development, climate change, youth employment, diplomacy, and policy-making. Her commitment to addressing pressing global issues is reflected in her involvement with various initiatives, where she brings her expertise to the table. As a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and sustainable policies, she is eager to collaborate and contribute to the ‘Youth Employment’ working group to explore and shape solutions that foster positive change and create opportunities for the younger generation. For her, working with an international team of students and young professionals from European and non-European countries will be a source of intellectual grooming and great exposure.
 

Felice Valeria

 
Felice is currently residing in Jakarta, Indonesia. She graduated from Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia, majored in International Relations. She is highly interested in issues related to youth employment and entrepreneurship.