Let youth voices be heard!

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Youth voices are important to be heard to bring about lasting change and build a strong future for the nation.

This was the gist of speech delivered by HM the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs Representative His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Tuesday at the opening of the 2020 Youth Summit organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs.

The two-day event, held via videoconference, will come to a close on Wednesday.

While highlighting the achievements of Bahraini young men and women in various fields, Shaikh Nasser stressed the significance of holding constant dialogues with them to help find innovative solutions to the challenges faced by several sectors in the Kingdom.

“Bahraini youth are passionate about challenges and achievements,” said Shaikh Nasser as he emphasised their role as “partners” in nation building, “so they should take advantage of their capabilities and skills to provide positive support for every sector that needs it.” He added: “Being the future leaders, we believe that they will be the ideal partners to develop solutions and plans for any challenges facing the country. In the current coronavirus pandemic, their contributions will be crucial.”

Conveying the greetings and appreciation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the participants, Shaikh Nasser affirmed that HM the King’s great support to the youth has led to numerous achievements by Bahrainis at various levels.

The Kingdom has empowered young people in various fields and created an ideal environment for them to participate in the decision-making process for progress and development.

“I congratulate you on HM the King’s directives in his address at the opening of the third session of the fifth legislative session of the parliament to make empowering the youth a national priority in order to stimulate their active participation in various fields,” said Shaikh Nasser. “Accomplished and ambitious youth are the most secure asset for a promising future, and as such, they are at the core of the institutional work. Bahrain is rich with its youth.”

Shaikh Nasser pointed out that two years ago, the Kingdom launched the National Program for the Development of the Youth and Sports Sector (Response) to meet the demands of young Bahrainis and their aspirations for a better future.

It was in line with the visions of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

The summit is returning after two years to underscore continuous co-ordination between all parties to develop the youth sector in the kingdom, further engage youngsters in tackling challenges and provide a platform for them to express their opinions about current issues.

After the summit, a final report will be prepared that includes the proposals and recommendations put forward by the youth as outputs to be applied to overcome challenges in various sectors.