The Minister of Labor and Social Development participates in the Youth Summit 2020
10-11-2020
Manama, 10 November (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, conveyed the greetings and appreciation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, to the participants in Youth Summit 2020. He affirmed that His Majesty’s unwavering support for, and interest in, the youth sector have underpinned Bahrainis’ achievements across all fields, empowering young people and providing an ideal environment for their meaningful participation in decision‑making that shapes the Kingdom’s development. This address formed the keynote speech delivered by His Highness at the opening of the 2020 Youth Summit, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs. His Highness said: “First, I would like to congratulate you on the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, contained in his lofty speech at the opening of the third session of the fifth legislative term of the Shura Council and Council of Representatives, which make youth empowerment a national priority to stimulate their effective participation in every field. Accomplished and ambitious youth are the sure bet for a promising future; Bahraini youth have thus become central to institutional work, and Bahrain is rich in its youth. Two years ago, we launched the National Programme for the Development of the Youth and Sports Sector “Istijaba” (Response). This initiative answered young people’s aspirations and embodied the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. We pledged that young Bahrainis would play an effective role within Team Bahrain and pursue the same righteous path towards achieving Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. Our work sought to highlight the principles of response by creating a fair and open competitive environment that serves youth and provides opportunities for all without exception, lifting the hand of guardianship, and thereby enabling youth to act as advisers to His Majesty and partners in shaping the Kingdom’s future. While reviewing both achievements and areas for improvement, I reaffirm that the ultimate goal remains to make Bahrain the capital of youth and sport, showcasing the significant development witnessed during this prosperous era. God willing, we will achieve this by uniting our efforts for Bahrain’s vision as the capital of youth and sport. By investing in youth, the Kingdom has reaped abundant fruits in a short period, evidenced by breakthroughs in entrepreneurship, literature, the arts and other sectors, as well as first‑place finishes in numerous championships and the promotion of professional sport. All of this proves that the Bahraini is gold. Bahraini youth are passionate about challenges and achievements, and this demonstrates their role in a wonderful partnership to build the future by taking advantage of their capabilities and skills to provide positive support for every sector that needs it. Based on our belief in the youth and their aptitudes, and in considering them the future’s leaders, it is certain that they will be the ideal partner to develop solutions and plans for any challenges that face us. The best testimony to this is the current challenge of the coronavirus pandemic and the contribution of young people in a truly appropriate manner. Today, ministers are participating with us in various sessions, speaking with young people, listening to their views, and learning about their suggestions and solutions to the challenges facing their sectors. Their aim is to invest in the energies of youth and harness their positive energy to drive the construction of a more modern Bahrain. We reaffirm that nothing is impossible when we place our faith in ambitious Bahraini youth. To ensure the discussions are comprehensive and fruitful, we have invited 350 young men and women from the finest Bahraini youth—drawn from Youth Empowerment Centres across the Kingdom’s governorates and local universities—to participate in the sessions with the ministers, who will review the challenges facing their sectors. The ministers hope to draw from the youth the inspiration and solutions needed to address those challenges in innovative and actionable ways. I look forward to this great summit for dialogue between ministers and young people to learn the outcomes of the sessions and the ideas that Bahraini youth will present, after which the follow‑up process towards implementation on the ground will begin. As I extend my sincere thanks to the ministers and the youth, I wish the summit every success in delivering solutions and initiatives aimed at overcoming challenges."