The World Bank issued a press release on September 14, 2023 in which it announced the launching of an online learning platform “Forastech” which will provide young Lebanese with the opportunity to easily access affordable digital skills recognized by Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). More specifically, both the World Bank and the UNICEF launched the platform at the Grand Serail in Beirut which was developed under the “PROSPECTS” program & funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the purpose of empowering, educating, and uplifting young Lebanese aged between 17 and 32 years. The implementation of the platform was completed by Forward MENA, an NGO launched by the Beirut Digital District to bridge the talent gap between education outcomes and labor market needs and develop the youth’s digital skillset. The press release mentioned that the platform allows users to review the most sought-after careers & current trends and to compare their skills against selected careers to identify a learning development pathway. Users could also receive recommendations for learning pathways in addition to guidance to apply for jobs accessible through the platform. According to the UNICEF representative in Lebanon Mr. Edouard Beigbeder, 58% of the youth in Lebanon are not hopeful about finding a job in the future, yet stated that the platform might present a chance to unlock their full potential and present them with the opportunity to pursue illustrious careers. In addition, Mr. Beigbeder noted that the goal of the platform is to grant the youth access to in-demand skills appropriate for today’s labor market. From another perspective, it is worth mentioning that the platform intends to support 5,000 eligible youth in completing free training courses, with expectations that 1,000 of them will complete free certificates and 200 will secure a job opportunity. The certificates granted will be signed by Microsoft, LinkedIn, and AWS among others to boost the youth’s skills and qualifications in specialized areas most sought after by employers. The World Bank Middle East Country Director Mr. Jean-Christophe Carret noted that Forastech represents a broad learning journey that forms unique partnerships with some of the best local & global tech firms and training providers. In addition, Mr. Carret stated that the World Bank remains dedicated to assist Lebanon’s digital transformation and empower its youth to “harness the benefits of the digital revolution”. In parallel, the press release mentioned that the platform will prove beneficial to a wide range of young individuals, whether they are looking to enhance their skills in software development, data, artificial intelligence, or other fields. Finally, the President of Forward MENA Mr. Mouhamad Rabah clarified that the platform aligns with their mission to arm the youth in Lebanon with the proper digital skillset needed to seize current and future opportunities.