Based on the provisions of the Tunisian Constitution and the orientations of the Tunisian State towards Tunisian youth, as reflected in the support framework between Tunisia and the European Union, the SWAFY project is part of the “EU4Youth” programme supporting Tunisian youth. The programme works to improve the economic, social, and political inclusion of the most disadvantaged young Tunisian women and men through a local development approach in Tunisia, particularly in the targeted regions.

The SWAFY project aims to contribute to enhancing the added value of research and innovation in economic development and to support entrepreneurship and employability among young Tunisians by strengthening creativity and innovation and supporting doctoral and post-doctoral researchers.

SWAFY is built around three main components:

1. MOBIDOC Component: Providing a total of 235 doctoral and post-doctoral scholarships within the socio-economic environment.
2. Creative Youth Component: Supporting all stakeholders (public institutions, associations, and start-ups) active in the dissemination of scientific culture.
3. Youth and Science Debate Component.

The Youth and Science Debate component of the SWAFY Project includes:

1. The organisation of a Youth and Science Debate;
2. The development of a Youth–Science Roadmap to support the implementation of the National Youth Strategy 2035;
3. The organisation of a Youth–Science Congress.

1.3. The Youth and Science Debate

The Youth and Science Debate aims to:

• Understand the reasons behind the lack of attractiveness of science among young people;

• Analyse gender-related issues within the science–youth theme;

• Identify proposals and recommendations from young people around this topic;

• Develop a Youth–Science Roadmap to support the implementation of the National Youth Strategy 2035.