13-07-2025
Bahrain's youth must dream global!
George Bernard Shaw famously said, ''Youth is wasted on the young' which implies young people don't fully appreciate or utilize the opportunities and vitality of their youth. As we emerge from the thought-provoking and energetic celebrations of Arab Youth Day on July 5, I want to say that Bahrain's leadership certainly does not subscribe to this idea. Consider these significant indicators:.
There is a designated Bahraini Youth Day on March 25 every year.
Such is His Majesty King Hamad's keen interest in youth, that he has instituted the much-prized King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment. The award, which is given under the umbrella of the United Nations, recognizes the efforts of youth around the world to be active and productive citizens contributing to the well-being of their communities and the environment. It also acknowledges organizations that work to improve the environment and infrastructure for youth to make an impact, across all U.N. member states.
Since 1999, the Crown Princes International Scholarship Programme instituted by Crown Prince & PM, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has given the brightest and best young minds in Bahrain the opportunity to study at some of the finest educational institutions in the world, thus building a corps of talented, trained and highly educated youth to serve the Kingdom and the world.
Bahraini youth icon, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, leads many initiatives and projects that have created many opportunities for young people, strengthening their roles in innovation, leadership, and humanitarian work, and allowing them to actively contribute to both current progress and future growth.
We have an active and dedicated Minister for Youth Affairs, H.E. Rawan bint Najib Tawfiqi, whose Ministry works closely with different arms of government to place the aspirations of our youth front and centre of our development.
The successful launch of the 'Al Munther' satellite, led by Bahraini youth, highlights their ambition and determination. The launch and implementation of 'The Hope Network' earlier this year, which is a platform for decision-makers in youth empowerment and a commitment to further developing global youth collaboration.
Now, with so many opportunities and initiatives, our Bahraini youth must take their rightful place on the world stage as movers and shakers of the global community. I urge our young people to think global, dream big and put their hearts and souls into making their world and their future meaningful and bright, thus bringing pride to Bahrain.
