11-07-2025
Bahrain's Young Voices Lead Global Ocean Call
TDT | Manama
A new generation of Bahrainis stepped forward as ocean advocates during a public event on Wednesday that echoed the global momentum sparked by the recent United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in France.
Held at the Bahrain Science Centre for SDGs in Isa Town, the 'Bahar Talks' initiative brought together marine experts, young climate leaders, and local organisations for an evening of dialogue and reflection on ocean conservation. The event, hosted by the French Embassy and the Bahrain Science Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Alliance Française Bahreïn, marked one of the first major youth-centred follow-ups to UNOC3 in the region.
From Film to Forum
The evening opened with a screening of Tara, the Coral Odyssey, a French documentary chronicling expeditions by Fondation Tara Océan to study coral ecosystems threatened by climate change.
The film set the tone for a spirited roundtable moderated by Aysha Alsherooqi, SDG specialist and Bahrain's representative to the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change. Panellists included Dr Reem Al Mealla, founder of local marine NGO NUWAT, and Khaled Al Saeed, president of the Bahrain Diving Volunteer Team and CEO of Sea World Expo Bahrain 2025. They were joined by marine biologists Sylvain Kreuter and Rahma Aleskafi, alongside Fatima Alzaki, a rising youth leader who attended the UNOC3 summit in Nice after being selected through the 3rd Green Youth Hackathon.
Ocean Momentum Speakers highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping Bahrain's environmental future and stressed the importance of local actions aligning with global sustainability goals. Discussions revolved around Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Life Below Water - with an emphasis on combining scientific research with public engagement.
Bahar Talks was described by participants as a meaningful continuation of UNOC3's message, ensuring it resonates not only on the international stage but also in grassroots movements and local policymaking circles.
The event drew attention to the growing appetite among Bahrain's youth to take the lead in ocean conservation initiatives at home and abroad.
